Up-Regulation of Endothelin Type A Receptor in Human and Rat Radiation Proctitis: Preclinical Therapeutic Approach With Endothelin Receptor Blockade

As the result of the overexpression of ETA, radiation exposure deregulates the endothelin system through an “ETA profile” in the human and rodent rectum. However, therapeutic interventions involving mixed or specific ETA receptor blockade do not prevent radiation damage. Further studies are necessary to identify the precise roles of ET in the gastrointestinal response to radiation exposure.