Endothelin Receptor - Physiological Functions

Physiological Functions

  • ETA is a subtype for vasoconstriction These receptors are found in the smooth muscle tissue of blood vessels, and binding of endothelin to ETA increases vasoconstriction (contraction of the blood vessel walls) and the retention of sodium, leading to increased blood pressure.
  • ETB1 mediates vasdilation, When endothelin binds to ETB1 receptors, this leads to the release of nitric oxide (also called endothelium-derived relaxing factor), natriuresis and diuresis (the production and elimination of urine) and mechanisms that lower blood pressure.
  • ETB3 mediates vasoconstriction
  • ETC has yet no clearly defined function.
  • ET receptor are also found in the nervous system where they may mediate neurotransmission and vascular functions.

Read more about this topic:  Endothelin Receptor

Famous quotes containing the word functions:

    “In today’s world parents find themselves at the mercy of a society which imposes pressures and priorities that allow neither time nor place for meaningful activities and relations between children and adults, which downgrade the role of parents and the functions of parenthood, and which prevent the parent from doing things he wants to do as a guide, friend, and companion to his children.”
    —Urie Bronfenbrenner (b. 1917)