NEW INSIGHT INTO CORONARY ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION - ROLE OF ENDOTHELIN

The coronary endothelium plays a central role in the modulation of cor onary vascular tone via the production and release of vasoactive media tors. A number of cardiovascular disease states are associated with co ronary endothelial dysfunction, which results in an imbalance between vasoactive substances, Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor produced by the coronary endothelium and has been implicated in the pathogenes is of coronary endothelial dysfunction, This review examines the relat ionship between endothelin and coronary endothelial dysfunction as it occurs in a number of cardiovascular disease states and explores poten tial therapeutic options.