Merely three years after the discovery of endothelin, a large amount of information has been generated about the molecular biology, biosynthesis, biological actions and potential physiological and pathological importance of this unique peptide and its isoforms. This first book on endothelins summarizes the early events which lead to the discovery of endothelin, the progress made in understanding the peptide's physiological role, and the current state-of-the-art in contemporary endothelin research. The book also discusses the potential significance of endothelins in health and disease, covers the potential role of the peptides in the integrated control of the cardiovascular system, and outlines future research directions. This comprehensive monograph is an indispensable reference for basic scientists and clinicians.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
1. Endothelium-Derived Contracting Factors.- 2. From Endotensin to Endothelin: The Discovery and Characterization of an Endothelial Cell Derived Constricting Factor.- 3. Molecular Biology of Endothelins.- 4. Endothelin Structure and Structure Activity Relationships.- 5. Endothelin Receptors and Receptor Subtypes.- 6. Tissue Specificity of Endothelin Synthesis and Binding.- 7. Cellular Actions of Endothelin in Vascular Smooth Muscle.- 8. Interaction between Endothelin and Endothelium-Derived Relaxing Factor(s).- 9. Endothelin as a Growth Factor in Vascular Remodeling and Vascular Disease.- 10. Endothelin and the Heart.- 11. Renal and Systemic Hemodynamic Actions of Endothelin.- 12. Endothelin, A Ubiquitous Peptide: Morphological Demonstration of Immunoreactive and Synthetic Sites and Receptors in the Respiratory Tract and Central Nervous System.- 13. Endothelin in Human Disease. I: Essential Hypertension, Vasospastic Angina, Acute Myocardial Infarction, and Chronic Renal Failure.- 14. Endothelin in Human Disease. II: Shock, Pulmonary Hypertension, and Congestive Heart Failure.- 15. Endothelin and the Homeostatic Function of the Endothelial Cell.- 16. Hypothetical Role of Endothelin in the Control of the Cardiovascular System.
