Endothelin and renal vascular fibrosis: of mice and men

The present review focuses on recent data regarding the role of endothelin as a mediator of renal vascular fibrosis. Following a brief description of the endothelin system, the question of whether endothelin is involved in hy pertensive mechanisms is examined in experimental, genetic and transgenic a nimal models. Evidence is provided that implicates endothelin as an importa nt factor of the development of tissue fibrosis and endorgan damage associa ted with hypertension, with particular emphasis on renal vascular fibrosis. Data indicating that endothelin interacts with other vasoconstrictor syste ms, such as angiotensin II, are also considered. Finally, results from prel iminary clinical studies using endothelin receptor antagonists to treat car diac and renal pathologies are briefly discussed. Curr Opin Nephrol Hyperte ns 9:31-36. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.