Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in primary culture produced and secreted endothelin I (ET-1) actively. Specific binding of [125I]ET-1 to these cells was not detectable because of the saturation of ET receptors with endogenously produced ET-1. However, addition of phosphoramidon, an inhibitor of ET-converting enzyme, to the medium reduced the production of ET-1 and thus the receptors on HUVECs were made available for exogenously added [125I]ET-1. Binding studies using phosphoramidon-treated HUVECs indicated the existence of a non-isopeptide-selective type (ETB) or ET receptor with a K d of 17 pM. This receptor is thought to be involved in ET-induced vasodilation in autocrine manner in vivo.
