A review of endothelin and hypertension in African-American individuals.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a peptide with potent vasopressor and mitogenic actions. Moreover, ET-1 displays modulatory effects on the endocrine system, including stimulation of angiotensin II and aldosterone production, and influences ion and fluid transport in the gut and kidney. A number of groups reported that ET-1 is overexpressed in the vasculature in several salt-sensitive models of experimental hypertension. African Americans present with a salt-sensitive and low-renin model of hypertension, and circulating plasma ET-1 levels are significantly increased in this population. The prevalence of hypertension and its complications is also higher in Blacks than in Whites and, despite extensive research, the reasons for this difference are not well understood. We propose that vasoactive, mitogenic, and renal effects of the ET system might contribute to the development, maintenance and/or complications of hypertension in African Americans.