Figure 2. Endothelial cell-derived endothelins regulate vascular contractility.
The binding of EDN1 or END2 to EDNRA located in smooth muscle cells (myofibril cells) triggers contraction causing vasoconstriction. Conversely, the binding of EDN1 or END2 to EDNRB located in the endothelial cells induces nitric oxide (NO) production, which triggers smooth muscle cells to relax (vasodilation).
