Endothelin-1 and -3 induce the release of tissue-type plasminogen activator and von Willebrand factor from endothelial cells.

Stimulation of the isolated perfused rat hindleg vascular bed with various concentrations of endothelin-1 or endothelin-3 resulted in the acute release of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and of von Willebrand factor (vWF). The release of both endothelial cell products required the presence of extracellular calcium; the release of vWF by endothelin was instantly inhibited by disodium EDTA. The calcium antagonists nifedipine, diltiazem and verapamil partially inhibited endothelin-induced t-PA release, but had no effect on endothelin-induced vWF release.