Endothelin and the kidney

Abstract

ET has been shown to exert significant effects on glomerular, tubular, and vascular functions of the kidney. ET receptor subtypes mediating these effects of ET appear to be different in different species. ET production, metabolism as well as ET binding are altered in a number of renal diseases, and ET receptor antagonists as well as antibodies have been shown to be beneficial in these diseases. Although a number of very potent and selective ET receptor antagonists are available, the future challenge lies in our understanding of the subtype of ET receptor that is involved in different disease processes.