Endothelin 1


Endothelin 1, also known as preproendothelin-1, is a potent vasoconstrictor that in humans is encoded by the EDN1 gene and produced by vascular endothelial cells. The protein encoded by this gene is proteolytically processed to release a secreted peptide termed endothelin 1. Endothelin 1 is one of three isoforms of human endothelin.

Clinical significance

Long term ET-1 exposure has been associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Endothelin-1 receptor antagonists are used in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Inhibition of these receptors prevents pulmonary vasculature constriction and thus decreases pulmonary vascular resistance.