Hemodynamic and coronary effects of the endothelin antagonist bosentan in patients with coronary artery disease

Endothelin is a potent endothelium-derived vasoconstrictor peptide with proliferative properties. Elevated levels of the peptide occur in coronary artery disease; however, its pathophysiological role as a regulator of coronary tone and structure is uncertain. Endothelin-receptor antagonists are specific tools to clarify this issue and might be useful in the treatment of coronary artery disease. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study, we investigated the effects of the ETA/ETB endothelin-receptor antagonist bosentan or placebo on systemic and coronary hemodynamics in 28 patients with angiographically documented stable coronary artery disease by quantitative coronary angiography and an intracoronary Doppler guidewire. Bosentan 200 mg IV decreased systolic blood pressure (P