CELLULAR MECHANISMS OF ENDOTHELIAL ENDOTH ELIN SYNTHESIS

Endothelin-1 is a vasoactive peptide produced by endothelial cells. En dothelin-1 exerts potent vasoconstrictory effects upon vascular smooth muscle cells, and it may play a role in the pathogenesis of several c ardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis and ischemic condition s. Besides the investigation of its biological effects, knowledge abou t cellular mechanisms of the synthesis, signal transduction pathway(s) and receptor-mediated actions on target cells is mandatory for the de velopment of pharmacological strategies in the treatment of cardiovasc ular disease. In this review cellular mechanisms of endothelial endoth elin-1 synthesis and release are discussed.