Endothelin-1 production by the canine macrophage cell line DH82: enhanced production in response to microbial challenge.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictive peptide which plays an important role in regulating mammalian cardiovascular development and homeostasis. Originally identified as a factor released by vascular endothelial cells, ET-1 is now recognized as a product of numerous cells and tissues with demonstrated involvement in an array of physiological and pathological processes. An area of great interest is the production of ET-1 by mononuclear cells (monocytes and macrophages) and its role in inflammation.