[The endothelin system: its involvement in the cardiovascular system].

The endothelin (ET)-system is composed of three endothelins, two receptors and two enzymes. The study of this system presents a great interest to understand the cardiovascular physiopathology. The ET-system is involved in cardiac organogenesis, angiogenesis and vascular tone homeostasis. Its role in arterial pulmonary hypertension, arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis has been shown. The numerous ET-system's targets suggest that it could be involved in pathologies which bring together various cardiovascular disorders such as the obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. Thus, the ET-system generates today a lively interest for experimental and clinical trials.