PLASMA ENDOTHELIN-1 LEVELS IN TAKAYASUS-ARTERITIS

We measured plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels in patients with Takayas u's arteritis to investigate its relationship with the disease activit y. We also measured plasma thrombomodulin (TM) levels as a marker of e ndothelial injury. A significant positive correlation was evident betw een plasma ET-1 levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESRs) in p atients with Takayasu's arteritis (r = 0.53, p < 0.005). In contrast, plasma levels of TM did not show a significant correlation with ESRs ( r = -0.13). ET-1, secreted in this way during the active stages of Tak ayasu's arteritis, may cause constriction and proliferation of vascula r smooth muscle cells and, as a result, progression of luminal narrowi ng of the affected vessels in this disorder.