Co-expression of endothelin-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor mediates increased vascular permeability in lung grafts before reperfusion.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) protein levels increase in lung transplant recipients, although the source of ET-1 remains uncertain. Evidence is accumulating that ET-1 coregulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth/permeability factor (VEGF-A). By using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, we describe upregulated ET-1 mRNA and VEGF-A protein levels as well as increased fluid content in donor lung-tissue biopsies before reperfusion. Hypoxia and ET-1 co-upregulate VEGF-A overexpression, therefore temporary VEGF-A antagonism during graft preservation might be of benefit in lung transplantation.