Endothelin-1, nitric oxide, serotonin and high blood pressure in male adolescents.

Background: Essential arterial hypertension (EAH) in adolescents represents a social burden. The endothelium is involved in the pathogenesis of EAH. Imbalance of key vasoactive factors - namely nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) - is observed, and serotonin (5-HT) release is also impaired.