Endothelins are proteins that constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure. They are normally kept in balance by other mechanisms, but when they are over-expressed, they contribute to high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart disease.
Endothelins are 21-amino acid vasoconstricting peptides produced primarily in the endothelium having a key role in vascular homeostasis. Endothelins are implicated in vascular diseases of several organ systems, including the heart, general circulation and brain.[1][2]
Contents
[hide]- 1 Etymology
- 2 Isoforms
- 3 Antagonists
- 4 Examples of physiological interaction
- 5 Disease involvement
- 6 Gene regulation
- 7 References
- 8 Further reading
- 9 External links
