Enhanced endothelin-converting enzyme immunoreactivity in early atherosclerosis

• Published in: Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology Vol. 31 Suppl 1; p. S22
• Main Authors: Grantham, J A, Schirger, J A, Williamson, E E, Heublein, D M, Wennberg, P W, Kirchengast, M, Muenter, K, Subkowski, T, Burnett, Jr, J C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 1998
• Subjects: Animals; Arteriosclerosis - enzymology; Arteriosclerosis - etiology; Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases - blood; Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases - metabolism; Diet, Atherogenic; Endothelin-Converting Enzymes; Hypercholesterolemia - complications; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Metalloendopeptidases - blood; Metalloendopeptidases - metabolism; Rabbits; Radioimmunoassay

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a 21-amino-acid local and circulating factor whose plasma concentrations are increased in advanced atherosclerosis. ET-1 is cleaved from a prohormone (big ET-1) by endothelin-converting enzymes (ECEs) into the biologically active mature form which mediates vasoconstriction and...