Renal tubular effects of endothelin-B receptor signaling: its role in cardiovascular homeostasis and extracellular volume regulation

Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens. 2000 Jul;9(4):435-9. doi: 10.1097/00041552-200007000-00016.

Abstract

The role of the endothelin-B receptor in vascular homeostasis is controversial because the receptor has both pressor and depressor effects in vivo. One potential depressor mechanism of endothelin-B activation is through the promotion of natriuresis and diuresis in the renal tubule. Recent studies demonstrate that rodents genetically deficient for the endothelin-B exhibit sodium-dependent hypertension due to an absence of tonic inhibition of the epithelial sodium channel in the distal nephron. These studies suggest that the predominant role of endothelin-B receptors in the basal physiologic state may be to regulate renal sodium excretion relative to the level of oral salt intake.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena*
  • Extracellular Space / physiology
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / physiopathology*
  • Kidney / physiology*
  • Kidney Tubules / physiology*
  • Kidney Tubules / physiopathology
  • Models, Biological
  • Receptor, Endothelin B
  • Receptors, Endothelin / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Water-Electrolyte Balance

Substances

  • Receptor, Endothelin B
  • Receptors, Endothelin