[Endothelin (ET) in kidneys]. / Endotelina (endothelin--et) w nerkach.

Peptides from endothelin family (ET-1, ET-2, ET-3), synthesized by the endothelial cells, are now known to exert diverse biological effects on wide variety of cell types and tissues mainly through two subtypes of receptors (A- and B-type ET receptors). Tissue distribution and mechanism of action of ET peptides and their receptors are reviewed. The biological role of ET peptides and receptors in health as well as in renal disease is discussed.