Loss of ETB-receptor-mediated relaxation in basilar artery after cold lesion of the rat parietal cortex.

Abstract

The endothelins (ETs) can exert both constrictor and dilator effects. These opposite actions have been attributed to the existence of different ET receptors. The ETA receptor has high affinity for ET-1 and ET-2 but low affinity for ET-3, while the ETB-receptor is non-selective in this respect. Stimulation of ETA receptors, which are located on vascular smooth muscle, causes vasoconstriction (Feger et al., 1994). This vasomotor reaction is mediated by activation of phospholipase C and protein kinase C (Görlach et al., 1998a). ETB receptors of arteries mediate vasodilation which is coupled to NO-production in endothelial cells (Schilling et al., 1995).