الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Endotheli ns are a family of 21 amino acid peptides that are synthesized as a polypeptide with a potent vasoactive properties produced mainly by endothelial cells. Endothelin-l was first isolated in vascular endothelial cells but later synthesis of both ETl and ET-3 was shown in other organs such as colonic and ileal mucosa.
The potent vasoactive properties of endothelins and their production in gastrointestinal tract have a role in hepatic clearance and more over the, alteration of vascular tone arid hemodynamics in cuThoSis.
Many factors are known to influence tIie production of endothelins by endothelial cells including endotoxi us, epinephrine, angiotensin II and arginine vasopressin.
The aim of the present study is to investigate the plasma levels of endotlielin I and 3 in patients complaining of liver cirrhosis and to assess whether it is involved in renal and other complications in these conditions.
Sixty five individuals were included! in this study comprising twenty patients with compensatory liver cirrhosis, twenty patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis.