[Effect of endothelin on rat mesenteric microvessels].

By video microscope, it was observed that endothelin (ET) caused constriction of the mesenteric microvessels of pentobarbital-anesthetized Wistar rats in a dose-dependent manner. With the consequence of causing a decrease of rate of blood flow and even some microcirculation disorder, the action was long lasting. The constrictive effect of ET on microvessel was much stronger than norepinephrine. The results suggest that ET is a potent vasoconstrictor for microvessel and may play an important role in causing microcirculatory disorder.