REPLY
Effect of Estrogen on Nitric Oxide and Endothelin-1
Patricia J.M. Best, MD, and
Amir Lerman, MD
15 July 1998 | Volume 129 Issue 2 | Page 160
IN RESPONSE:
As Dr. Brody notes, increasing evidence supports endothelin-1 as an atherosclerotic peptide. Not only are both circulating and tissue levels of endothelin-1 increased in patients with atherosclerosis, but the effects of endothelin-1 are enhanced in pathophysiologic states [1]. In addition, we have shown that endothelin-1 is present in human atherectomy specimens and after mechanical pressure or after stretch endothelin-1 is released. Endothelin-1 has vasoconstricting and proliferative properties that antagonize the effects of nitric oxide. Furthermore, the regulation of endothelin-1 and the regulation of nitric oxide are linked. Because the interrelation between these two vasoactive substances is functionally significant, further study of the effects of therapy on both of these systems will be important.
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Author and Article Information
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Mayo Clinic and Foundation; Rochester, MN 55905
1. Lerman A, Edwards BS, Hallett JW, Heublein DM, Sandberg SM, Burnett JC Jr. Circulating and tissue endothelin immunoreactivity in advanced atherosclerosis. N Engl J Med. 1991; 325:997-1001.
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