Emergence of Smooth Muscle Cell Endothelin B–Mediated Vasoconstriction in Lambs With Experimental Congenital Heart Disease and Increased Pulmonary Blood Flow

Abstract

Over time, increased pulmonary blood flow and/or pressure results in the emergence of ETB-mediated vasoconstriction, which coincides with the emergence of ETB receptors on smooth muscle cells. These data suggest an important role for ETB receptors in the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension in this animal model of increased pulmonary blood flow.