Endothelin-secreting tumor

J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 1991:17 Suppl 7:S398-401. doi: 10.1097/00005344-199100177-00111.

Abstract

Recently, we have reported two cases with endothelin (ET)-secreting tumor presenting with hypertension and elevated plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels. The present study examines the histopathology of the ET-secreting tumor in one of these cases. The neoplasm was located in the skin and microscopically characterized as a malignant hemangioendothelioma by remarkable intravascular proliferations of atypical endothelium with the expression of Factor VIII-related antigen in the tumor cells. The tumor enlarged rapidly with rising ET-1 and blood pressure levels. The ET-1 content and its messenger RNA expression in the tumor extract were higher than those from normal parts of skin. ET-1 may play a pathophysiological role in patients with ET-secreting malignant hemangioendothelioma.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Blood Pressure / physiology
  • Blotting, Northern
  • Endothelins / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Hemangioendothelioma / metabolism*
  • Hemangioendothelioma / pathology
  • Hemangioendothelioma / physiopathology
  • Histocytochemistry
  • Humans
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Radioimmunoassay
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Skin Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / physiopathology

Substances

  • Endothelins
  • RNA, Messenger