The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide improves hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in mice partly via normalization of reduced ET(B) receptor expression.
In conclusion, endothelin ET(B), endothelin ET(A), 5-HT2A receptor- and alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated contractions were increased in hypertension, while the endothelium and its functions were damaged.
Current evidence suggests that activation of the ETB receptor results in vasodilatation, diuresis and natriuresis, each of which are properties that might be advantageous to maintain in conditions such as cardiac failure and hypertension.