Article date: June 2004
By: Stephen J. Leslie, Mamun Q. Rahman, Martin A. Denvir, David E. Newby, David J. Webb, in Volume 57, Issue 6, pages 720-725
Aims Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1[1−21]) is an extremely potent vasoconstrictor in the human skin microcirculation and is generated from larger precursor peptides. The aims of the present study were to assess the vasoactive effects of these precursors as well as endothelin blockade in the human skin microcirculation, in vivo.
Methods Six healthy volunteers received intradermal injections of a range of doses of big ET‐1[1−38], ET‐1[1−31], ET‐1[1−21], BQ‐123 (ETA receptor antagonist), BQ‐788 (ETB receptor antagonist), phosphoramidon [endothelin converting enzyme (ECE) inhibitor] or saline control (0.9%). Skin blood flow (SBF) was measured using standard laser Doppler flowmetry.
Results Big ET‐1[1−38], ET‐1[1−31] and ET‐1[1−21] reduced SBF when compared with saline control (P < 0.01 for all). Big ET‐1[1−38] and ET‐1[1−31] were less potent than ET‐1[1−21] as defined by skin vasoconstriction. Phosphoramidon, BQ‐123 and BQ‐788, given alone, all caused vasodilatation in the human skin microcirculation (P < 0.01 for all).
Conclusions In the human skin microcirculation, big ET‐1[1−38] and ET‐1[1−31] are less potent vasoconstrictors than ET‐1[1−21]. The effects of big ET‐1[1−38] and phosphoramidon suggest the presence of endogenous ECE activity in the skin. In contrast to skeletal muscle resistance vessels, ET‐1[1−21] contributes to the maintenance of skin microvascular tone through both ETA and ETB receptor‐mediated vasoconstriction.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2004.02074.x
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