Role of endothelins in lung pathology.

The endothelins are a group of peptides present in a number of tissues and organs. They are powerfully vasoactive, causing both contraction and relaxation of blood vessels. They are also active in the lung causing long lasting bronchoconstriction. Endothelins binding sites are widely distributed and are localized to airway and pulmonary vascular smooth muscle, fibroblasts, submucosal glands, and airway nerves, indicating that endothelins may have widespread effects. The current study presents a potential contribution of endothelins to pathogenesis of a number of lung diseases.