Nitric oxide and endothelin in pathophysiological settings

The role of the endothelium is now known to encompass the generation of many potent cytokines which impact endothelial cells, adjacent tissue such as smooth muscle cells, and distant sites in an autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine manner, respectively. This review addresses two of these cytokines, n...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pediatric nephrology (Berlin, West) West), 1995-04, Vol.9 (2), p.235-244
Main Authors: HUNLEY, T. E, IWASAKI, S, HOMMA, T, KON, V
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Cell Division
Cell physiology
Endothelins - physiology
Endothelium - physiology
Endothelium - physiopathology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Immunity - physiology
Inflammation - physiopathology
Miscellaneous
Molecular and cellular biology
Muscle Tonus - physiology
Muscle, Smooth, Vascular - cytology
Muscle, Smooth, Vascular - physiology
Nitric Oxide - physiology
Platelet Aggregation - physiology
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Summary:The role of the endothelium is now known to encompass the generation of many potent cytokines which impact endothelial cells, adjacent tissue such as smooth muscle cells, and distant sites in an autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine manner, respectively. This review addresses two of these cytokines, nitric oxide and endothelin, and describes how each effects the functions of endothelial cells, including regulation of platelet aggregation and coagulation, regulation of vasomotor tone, modulation of inflammation, and the regulation of cellular proliferation. The emphasis is on the increasingly recognized importance of the autocrine and paracrine mechanisms by which nitric oxide and endothelin act. In particular, autoinduction of endothelin is proposed as a central mechanism underlying endothelin's renowned effects. Additionally, specific nitric oxide/endothelin interactions are discussed by which each cytokine modulates the production and actions of the other. The net effect observed in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological settings, therefore, reflects a balance of these opposing functions.
ISSN:0931-041X
1432-198X
DOI:10.1007/BF00860758