"What we call the beginning is often the end, and to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from." T. S. ELIOT, "Geroniton" The discovery of endothelin-l was both an end and a beginning. It is an end because this discovery has started a plethora of investigations as to endothe1in's sites of production, mode of action, it's normal and abnormal physiological role and its involvement in a variety of pathological conditions ranging from renal failure to myocardial infarction, cardiac hypertrophy, hyperten sion, cyclosporine induced toxicity, mental depression, renal failure, stress related illness, and even stroke and sudden death. It is a beginning because no one can foresee where the investigations will ultimately lead, or how they will end. The discovery of the endothelins was a very recent event and soon specialist books will start to appear dealing in detail with different aspects of their chemistry, physiological role and pathological importance. The present book is intended to act as a guide and primer for those who are becoming intrigued by the many endothelin related articles which are now appearing in the journals but who as yet have not had the time or opportunity to be caught up in the web of enthusiasm and excitement which is motivating those more directly involved in the field of research.

1 The Discovery and General Properties of the Endothelins

2 The Chemistry of the Endothelins
3 The Biosynthesis of the Endothelins
4 Other Chemically-Related Toxins
5 The Contractile Effect of Endothelin-1
6 The Biochemical Events Involved in the Contractile and Positive Inotropic Activity of Endothelin-1
7 Endothelin Receptors: Their Distribution and Properties
8 Metabolism and Clearance of the Endothelins
9 Plasma, Tissue and Urine Endothelin-1
10 Effect of Various Pathological Conditions on Plasma Endothelin
11 Endothelin and the Kidney
12 Endothelin and the Brain
13 Endothelin and the Coronary Circulation
14 Endothelin-1 and the Heart
15 Endothelin, Cell Proliferation and Atherosclerosis
16 The Constrictor Effect of the Endothelins on Bronchiolar and Tracheal Smooth Muscle
17 Endothelin and Hypertension
18 The Endothelins and Platelet Aggregation
19 Do the Endothelins have a Future?
References.