Endothelin-1 in atherosclerosis and other vasculopathies.

Atherosclerosis is a major risk factor for both myocardial infarction and stroke. A key aspect of this disease is the imbalance of vasoactive factors. In this concise review, we focus on the role of endothelin-1 in the atherosclerotic process and other vasculopathies. Previously, we have demonstrated that there is a correlation between the expression of endothelin and the underlying atherosclerotic lesion. Immunoreactivity was observed for both ET-1 and ECE-1 in endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages within lesions. Endothelin's role in atherosclerosis must extend from its varying physiological activities, including vasoconstriction, mitogenesis, neutrophil adhesion, and platelet aggregation, and hypertrophy, as well as its propensity to induce the formation of reactive oxygen species. We also discuss regulation of endothelin by angiotensin II, reactive oxygen species, thrombin, aging, and LDL in the cardiovascular system. Finally, we demonstrate the role of endothelin in pulmonary hypertension and transplant associated vasculopathy.