regulation of systemic arterial blood pressure by endothelin

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process in which endothelin modulates the force with which blood passes through the circulatory system. Endothelin is a hormone that is released by the endothelium, and it is a vasoconstrictor. [GOC:mtg_cardio]

Endothelin, a potent vasoconstrictor peptide, plays a crucial role in regulating systemic arterial blood pressure. It is primarily produced by vascular endothelial cells and exerts its effects through binding to two G protein-coupled receptors, endothelin receptor A (ETu003csubu003eAu003c/subu003e) and endothelin receptor B (ETu003csubu003eBu003c/subu003e).

The regulation of systemic arterial blood pressure by endothelin involves a complex interplay of multiple mechanisms:

1. **Direct Vasoconstriction:**
- Endothelin, particularly through its interaction with ETu003csubu003eAu003c/subu003e receptors, causes potent vasoconstriction in systemic arteries, leading to an increase in peripheral resistance and ultimately, elevation of blood pressure.
- This effect is mediated by the activation of intracellular signaling pathways involving phospholipase C, inositol triphosphate, and calcium mobilization, culminating in the contraction of vascular smooth muscle cells.

2. **Modulation of Vascular Tone:**
- Endothelin can also indirectly influence vascular tone by affecting the release of other vasoactive substances.
- For example, it can stimulate the production of nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator, through a complex feedback mechanism involving ETu003csubu003eBu003c/subu003e receptors and the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS).
- However, this vasodilatory effect is often overshadowed by the dominant vasoconstrictive action mediated by ETu003csubu003eAu003c/subu003e receptors.

3. **Regulation of Renin-Angiotensin System:**
- Endothelin can interact with the renin-angiotensin system, a key player in blood pressure regulation.
- It can stimulate the release of renin, the enzyme responsible for initiating the cascade that leads to the formation of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-stimulating hormone.
- This further contributes to the elevation of blood pressure.

4. **Influence on Sodium and Water Balance:**
- Endothelin can also influence sodium and water balance by affecting renal function.
- It can promote sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubules, leading to an increase in blood volume and further contributing to blood pressure elevation.

5. **Neuroendocrine Regulation:**
- Endothelin can also interact with the central nervous system, influencing the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that modulate cardiovascular function.
- For instance, it can stimulate the release of vasopressin, a potent vasoconstrictor and antidiuretic hormone, further contributing to the elevation of blood pressure.

In summary, endothelin, through its interaction with specific receptors and its influence on various signaling pathways, exerts a potent vasoconstrictive effect, modulates vascular tone, interacts with the renin-angiotensin system, influences sodium and water balance, and impacts neuroendocrine regulation, thereby playing a significant role in the regulation of systemic arterial blood pressure. This complex interplay of mechanisms underscores the importance of endothelin in the maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis.'
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Proteins (3)

Compounds (30)