Cytokines induce increased endothelin ET(B) receptor-mediated contraction
The effect of cytokines on the induction of contractile endothelin ET(B) receptors during organ culture was examined. Ring segments of rat superior mesenteric artery were used fresh or incubated for 24 h in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium alone, or with either interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) or interleukin-2. In fresh arterial segments there was no endothelin ET(B) re