Main description:

The biology of the family of endogenous autocrine peptides known as the endothelins (ETs) has been a source of intense study for researchers since 1988, following the identification of ET-l as the previously described endothelium-derived contractile factor. Initial interest focussed on the actions of the ETs in the cardiovascular system, and this remains the pri mary source of published work involving these peptides. Importantly, evi dence is mounting for a significant mediator role for ET-l in cardiovascu lar diseases including systemic hypertension and congestive heart failure. However, it was also recognized early on that the ETs exert an array of powerful actions in the respiratory tract, many of which prompted specula tion concerning mediator roles for ET-l in several lung diseases including asthma and pulmonary hypertension. In recent years the evidence for the involvement of ET-l in lung diseases has become more compelling. There is now real hope and anticipation that novel ET receptor antagonists may eventually be used therapeutically against asthma and other major lung pathologies. It is this atmosphere of excitement created by new discoveries and the increasing scientific ratio nale for a significant impact ofthe ETs in pulmonary diseases that prompt ed the creation of this book, the first on this topic. Most of the information presented relates to ET-l, which is the most widely studied member of the ET family.

Contents:

1. History of Endothelin.- 2. Endothelin Receptors and Ligands.- 3. Cellular Localisation of the Endothelin System in the Lung.- 4. Activity and Distribution of Endothelin-converting Enzyme in the Lung.- 5. ET Receptor-Linked Signal Transduction Processes in the Airway Wall.- 6. In Vitro Effects of the Endothelins on Airway and Vascular Smooth Muscle Tone.- 7. In Vivo Effects of the Endothelins in the Lung.- 8. Endothelin in Lung Development and Tissue Growth.- 9. Endothelin and the Airway Epithelium.- 10. Endothelin as a Proinflammatory Mediator.- 11. Endothelin-Induced Neuromodulation.- 12. Role of Endothelin in Pulmonary Hypertension.- 13. Endothelin as a Putative Mediator in Asthma and other Respiratory Diseases.