Impact of endothelin-1 on bovine pregnancy: possible involvement of local regulation system of placental function

内皮素-1（ET-1）是一种强有力的血管收缩剂，参与妊娠期胎儿-胎盘的生长发育。本研究旨在探讨ET-1在牛妊娠期胎盘功能调节中的生理作用。目前的研究结果表明，ET-1是本地产生的牛胎盘和分泌到母体循环在怀孕期间。此外，ET-1与牛胎盘内的多种血管活性肽、血管生成因子和胎盘激素相互作用。这些结果表明，ET-1在调节胎盘功能和参与血管活性物质，包括ET-1对维持牛妊娠的关键作用。

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is known as a most potent vasoconstrictor and participates in feto-placental growth and development during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate physiological role of ET-1 in the regulation of placental function during pregnancy in cattle. The results of present study demonstrate that ET-1 is locally produced in bovine placenta and secreted into maternal circulation during pregnancy. In addition, ET-1 interacts with various vasoactive peptides, angiogenic factors and placental hormones within bovine placenta. These findings suggest a crucial role of ET-1 in the regulation of placental function and involvement of vasoactive substances including ET-1 on maintenance of bovine pregnancy.