At nanomolar concentrations, Endothelin-2 exhibits a strong and long-lasting vasoconstrictor activity characteristic of endothelin (EC50=0.52 nM).
Endothelin-2 is a chemoattractant for macrophages and THP-1 monocytic cells, but not for freshly isolated monocytes. The chemotactic response to Endothelin-2 shows a typical bell-shaped response curve. Experiments with endothelin receptor antagonists shows that migration to Endothelin-2 is mediated via the ET-RB receptor. Endothelin-2 expression by tumors may modulate the behavior of macrophages such that activated cells accumulate in areas of hypoxia.