[Endothelins].

Based on the data from current literature a survey of the new endothelial cell derived peptides endothelins and their characteristics are given. Having the most and longest vasoconstrictor activity that has been described to date and ability to stimulate the release aldosterone, catecholamine and renin, endothelin-1 became the subject of many studies on its pathogenetic role in arterial hypertension. The data also indicate that endothelin may be one of important deleterious mediators in the pathogenesis of ischemic acute renal failure due to its predominant preglomerular vasoconstrictor activity and ability to induce mesangial cells contraction. In addition to its vasoactive properties, endothelin has a mitogenetic and natriuretic effect. The demonstration that mesangial cells release endothelin into culture medium together with the finding that its gene expression and production in mesangial cells are regulated by glomerular inflammatory reaction factors may suggest that endothelin also participates in the complex process of glomerular disease progression. Therefore, it is a very interesting vasoactive peptide, with more actions beyond the regulation of cardiovascular tone, which suggest the widespread distribution of its high activity binding sites in blood vessels, brain, lungs, kidney, adrenal glands, spleen and intestines.