An early event in the pathotrajectory of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is reduction in cerebral blood flow (CBF). This decrease in CBF likely inhibits the brain’s ability to recover following injury. Until recently, mechanisms underlying dysfunctional CBF have been unknown. However, recent research implicates the endothelin system. Endothelin, working through its receptor A (ETrA), exerts a prolonged period of vaso-constriction throughout brain tissue and contributes to vasospasm. This chapter will not only elucidate the mechanisms by which endothelin affects CBF and ultimate outcome following TBI, but will also offer insight into developments in treatments centered around antagonizing ETrA. It is the hope that this work will inspire future research into pharmacological therapeutics aimed at mitigating the devastating effects of TBI.
© 2015 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.