Correlation between apolipoprotein B and endothelin-1-induced vasoconstriction in humans

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations have been linked to altered re sponses to endogenous vasodilators and vasoconstrictors. We evaluated retro spectively the relationship between LDL and vasoconstrictor (endothelin-1, phenylephrine) responsiveness of the forearm vasculature in 15 elderly heal thy volunteers with apolipoprotein B and LDL levels in the normal range. In contrast to phenylephrine, changes in forearm vascular resistance induced by endothelin-1 were correlated with apolipoprotein B, LDL, and total chole sterol concentrations in women but not in men. These findings might suggest that lipids may increase vascular tone through both impaired endothelial v asodilation and increased vasoconstriction to endothelin-1 at least in wome n. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.