In humans, three endothelin (ET) isoforms are predicted to exist by analysis of genomic DNA. However, evidence for the presence of all three mature ET peptides and their precursors remains unclear. Our aim was to identify the ET isoforms present in human heart, using radioimmunoassay (RIA) and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Antisera raised against the ET-1[15-21] terminal sequence were specific for mature ETs, showing no cross-reactivity with their precursor pro-ETs. Antisera raised against the pro-ET-1[31-38] terminal sequence was specific for pro-ET-1, showing no cross-reactivity with other ET peptides. In extracts of human cardiac tissues, the concentrations of immunoreactive (IR) mature ET and pro-ET-1 were found to be as follows: left atrium (n = 3): 282.3 +/- 113.0, 21.9 +/- 11.0, respectively; right atrium (n = 5): 308.3 +/- 95.4, 43.1 +/- 12.8, respectively; left ventricle (n = 6): 218.5 +/- 64.6, 47.9 +/- 11.9, respectively; right ventricle (n = 4): 215.1 +/- 79.8, 53.9 +/- 13.0, respectively (fmol/g wet weight, mean +/- SEM, for total IR mature ET and pro-ET-1, respectively). RP-HPLC showed peaks of immunoreactivity that coeluted with authentic ET-1 in all extracts of human left atria and ventricle tested. In addition, peaks were also present corresponding to ET-2, ET-3, and pro-ET-1. These results suggest that in addition to ET-1 and pro-ET-1, ET-2 and ET-3 are present in the human heart.