| Title | Endothelin-1 as a neuropeptide: neurotransmitter or neurovascular effects? | | Author(s) | Dashwood MR, Loesch A | | Institution | Clinical Biochemistry, University College London Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, NW3 2QG, UK, m.dashwood@medsch.ucl.ac.uk. | | Source | J Cell Commun Signal 2009 Oct 22. | | Abstract | Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is an endothelium-derived peptide that also possesses potent mitogenic activity. There is also a suggestion the ET-1 is a neuropeptide, based mainly on its histological identification in both the central and peripheral nervous system in a number of species, including man. A neuropeptide role for ET-1 is supported by studies showing a variety of effects caused following its administration into different regions of the brain and by application to peripheral nerves. In addition there are studies proposing that ET-1 is implicated in a number of neural circuits where its transmitter affects range from a role in pain and temperature control to its action on the hypothalamo-neurosecretory system. While the effect of ET-1 on nerve tissue is beyond doubt, its action on nerve blood flow is often ignored. Here, we review data generated in a number of species and using a variety of experimental models. Studies range from those showing the distribution of ET-1 and its receptors in nerve tissue to those describing numerous neurally-mediated effects of ET-1. | | Language | ENG | | Pub Type(s) | JOURNAL ARTICLE
| | PubMed ID | 19847673 |
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