Endothelins come home to roost
Article Abstract:
Endothelins are peptides which cause constriction of blood vessels, resulting in an increase in blood pressure. Three endothelins have recently been identified. Endothelins are very powerful and their effects last a long time. Endothelins that are present in the circulating blood also cause the release of substances that lead to dilation of blood vessels. Therefore, the constricting effects of endothelins on blood vessels are limited. Endothelins also cause proliferation of cells. It is thought that high levels of endothelins are associated with hypertension, heart attack and other heart conditions. Researchers are trying to find inhibitors of the endothelins. The structures of two receptors for endothelins have been described in the journal Nature, December 20/27 1990, volume 348, by two groups of researchers (H. Arai and colleagues and T. Sakurai and colleagues). These two receptors belong to a family of receptors known as the rhodopsin-like receptors, and the two receptors appear to have different functions. One of the receptors binds only one of the endothelin molecules, known as ET-1, which is the type of endothelin that is produced by endothelial cells (cells which line the inside of blood vessels). The other receptor binds all three types of endothelins. Additional research is being done to see if there are other endothelins and receptors and to better understand the function of these molecules. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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Endothelin in myocardial infarction
Article Abstract:
Endothelin is a newly discovered substance that constricts blood vessels. It is a naturally occurring substance, but its exact role in the body has not been determined. Experiments using modern anatomical techniques have shown that endogenous (natural) endothelin may actually increase the severity of myocardial infarction (heart attack). If an animal is given the antibody to endothelin to reduce the amount of endothelin present in the body, the size of an experimentally-induced myocardial infarction is reduced in proportion to the amount of antibody administered. Decreased blood supply to the heart (ischemia) is the cause of a heart attack, and ischemia in turn causes the amount of encothelin to increase. It appears that it may be desirable to reduce endothelin concentrations in patients after they have suffered a heart attack. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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A prolactin-releasing peptide in the brain
Article Abstract:
The secretion of many anterior pituitary hormones, including the growth hormone, is regulated by hypothalamic peptide hormones. These peptides do not specifically regulate the secretion of prolactin but act through receptors, called the seven-transmembrane-domain receptors. Prolactin is an important hormone in pregnancy and lactation in mammals but the identification of its releasing hormone was previously unknown. A new study suggests a potential candidate, called hGR3, expressed in the human pituitary.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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