Endothelin: an endothelium-derived vasoactive peptide and its possible role in the pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm.
- Authors: Alafaci,C; Salpietro,FM; Iacopino,DG; Edvinsson,L; Tomasello F.
- Publication year: 1991
- Type: Articolo in rivista (Articolo in rivista)
- OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/63833
Abstract
The contractile response to endothelin has been examined in cerebral arteries from rats subjected to a prior subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and compared with saline injected controls. Endothelin elicited strong concentration-dependent contraction of rat basilar artery segments. The response was slow in onset and long lasting. The endothelin-induced contraction was much stronger in the SAH compared to control animals. Our findings suggest a role of the peptide in the pathophysiology of cerebral vasospasm.