Endothelin 1 (ET-1), also known as preproendothelin-1 (PPET1), is the most potent vasoconstrictor produced by the human body.[5] It is a peptide produced by vascular endothelial cells,[6] as well as by cells in the heart (affecting contractility) and kidney (affecting sodium handling).[7] The protein encoded by this gene – EDN1 – is proteolytically processed to release endothelin 1. Endothelin 1 is one of three isoforms of human endothelin.
Preproendothelin is precursor of the peptide ET-1. Endothelial cells convert preproendothelin to proendothelin and subsequently to mature endothelin, which the cells release.[6][8]
Patients with salt-sensitive hypertension have higher plasma ET-1.[7] Endothelin-1 receptor antagonists (Bosentan) are used in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.[6] Use of these antagonists prevents pulmonary arterial constriction and thus inhibits pulmonary hypertension.[6]
As of 2020, the role of endothelin-1 in affecting lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in obesity mechanisms was under clinical research.[9]
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.
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