The renoprotective potential of endothelin receptor antagonists

The endothelin system has been identified as having a substantial role in r enal failure, both acute and chronic. Beside its well characterised haemody namic effects, its mitogenic and pro-fibrotic properties have gained increa sed interest in the pathophysiology of chronic renal failure. This review o utlines the role of endothelin in the pathogenesis of various renal disease s with a special focus on the potential of blocking this system with endoth elin receptor antagonists. So far, most data were derived from animal model s, but they provide strong evidence that endothelin receptor antagonists ma y represent a powerful therapeutic strategy in ameliorating the course of a cute and chronic renal failure.