Enhanced expression of endothelin-1 gene in resistance arteries in severe human essential hypertension.

Abstract

Endothelins are potent vasoconstrictors, and may also act as mitogens and hypertrophic agents. Expression of a member of this family of peptides, endothelin-1, is enhanced in the endothelium of blood vessels of rats with severe forms of hypertension, even in the absence of elevated plasma endothelin levels. In some of these hypertensive models enhanced endothelin-1 gene expression may contribute to vascular hypertrophy of small arteries and to elevation of blood pressure.