[Endothelin--a cardiovascular regulatory peptide. I. Physiologic activity].

Review article informs about the physiological and pathophysiological effects of the most potent vasoconstrictor agent endothelin (ET). This vasoactive polypeptide (21-aminoacids) is of the endothelial origin, it has three isoforms (ET-1, ET-2, ET-3), and it significantly participates in regulation of the vascular tone. Exploration of effects of the "family" of endothelins has expanded very dynamically since their discovery in eighties of the present century. At present, these studies affect almost all fields of medicine. The first part of the article brings information on the structure, biosynthesis and production of endothelins under the physiological conditions. Profound attention is given both to their effects on the cellular level and on the level of individual systems of the human organism. In conclusions the significance of endothelin receptor antagonists for the comprehensive explanation of endothelins role in the cardiovascular regulation and in the pathophysiology of those types of disorders and diseases which are linked to their activation is emphasized.