Search results for "Endothelin-Converting Enzymes"
showing 2 items of 2 documents
Endothelin receptor B in trabecular meshwork
2007
Abstract Endothelin-1 (ET-1), the most potent vasoconstrictor known to date, seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma. ET-1 was found in different tissues of the eye and in high concentrations in the aqueous humour. The effects of ET-1 are mediated by two receptors, ET-A receptor (ET-AR) and ET-B receptor (ET-BR), which are both expressed in bovine trabecular meshwork (TM). ET-1 induced contraction of TM predominantly by activation of ET-AR. This study analyzes the role of ET-BR in TM function and investigates the synthesis of ET-1 by human TM (HTM) cells. The effect of IRL-1620, a specific ET-BR agonist, on contractility of bovine TM (BTM) was investigated wi…
Lactoferricin B-derived peptides with inhibitory effects on ECE-dependent vasoconstriction
2010
Endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE), a key peptidase in the endothelin (ET) system, cleaves inactive big ET-1 to produce active ET-1, which binds to ET(A) receptors to exert its vasoconstrictor and pressor effects. ECE inhibition could be beneficial in the treatment of hypertension. In this study, a set of eight lactoferricin B (LfcinB)-derived peptides, previously characterized in our laboratory as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides, was examined for their inhibitory effects on ECE. In vitro inhibitory effects on ECE activity were assessed using both the synthetic fluorogenic peptide substrate V (FPS V) and the natural substrate big ET-1. To study vasoactive effects, an…