Endothelin-1: physiological and pathological roles in myometrium

Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2011 Mar;43(3):299-302. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2010.10.009. Epub 2010 Oct 23.

Abstract

Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a member of endothelin peptide family is released by many different tissues including uterine smooth muscle. ET-1 acts through ETA and ETB receptors and is implicated in a wide range of biological and pathological functions that explain the great attention of the pharmacological industry for ET-1 receptors as potential therapeutic targets in vascular pathologies and cancers. It is now well established that ET-1 is also able to regulate myometrial functions. In the present review, we focused on ET axis and related signaling pathways involved in the regulation of myometrial contraction, as well as cell proliferation and survival. Such ET-1-mediated cellular functions play a critical role in normal pregnancy, preterm birth and uterine leiomyoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Disease
  • Endothelin-1 / chemistry
  • Endothelin-1 / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Myometrium / metabolism*
  • Myometrium / pathology*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Uterine Contraction

Substances

  • Endothelin-1