New strategies in the prevention of restenosis.

Restenosis is a common and serious complication following angioplasty and stent implantation in patients with arterial vascular disease. Restenosis is a form of intimal hyperplasia. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulate intimal hyperplasia and may play a role in restenosis. ET-1 and VEGF may act in concert in promoting restenosis following mechanical injury to the vessel wall in angioplasty and stent implantation. An understanding of their mechanism of action may lead to more effective methods for preventing restenosis. ET-1 receptor antagonists may play a prominent role in prophylaxis.