PLASMA ENDOTHELIN-1 CONCENTRATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH BEHCETS-DISEASE

Plasma Endothelin-1 (ET-1) concentrations were determined by radio imm unoassay in 30 patients with Behcet's disease at various stages and 20 healthy subjects. Mean ET-1 plasma concentrations were significantly (p<0,001) increased in patients with active Behcet's disease (35,99 +/ - 5,06 fmol/ml, mean +/- standard error) compared to concentrations fo und in healthy volunteers (10,98 +/- 0,84 fmol/ml). No difference in p lasma ET-1 level was observed between patients with inactive Behcet's disease (12,98 +/- 1,14 fmol/ml) and volunteers. Increased plasma leve ls of ET-1 in patients with Behcet's disease may be attributable to in creased secretion or leakage of this mitogen from injured vascular end othelial cells. These results indicate that ET-1 may play an important pathogenetic role in the development or progression of vasculitis com mon to Behcet's disease. Plasma concentrations of ET-1 correlates with the activity of illness.