Potential role of endothelin-1 and endothelin antagonists in cardiovascular diseases

The endothelins comprise a family of three isopeptides ET-1, ET-2 and ET-3, whereby ET-1 appears to be the most relevant in humans. They act in a para crine manner on ET, and ET, receptors. ET-1 plays an important role in the cardiovascular system. In addition, it modulates vasomotion and growth proc esses, and it participates in thrombogenesis and neutrophil adhesion. This review summarizes some of the current literature pertaining to the physiolo gical and pathophysiological significance of ET-1, focusing the assets and drawbacks of elevated ET-1 levels. In this regard, modulation of the endoth elin system by either receptor blockade or by inhibition of endothelin conv erting enzyme is expected to provide novel therapeutic drug strategies.