title: Proteinase-activated receptors: novel signals for peripheral nerves.
abstract: The discovery of proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) in the nervous system has led to new insights about the potential physiological functions of these enzymes, which were traditionally considered merely as degradative molecules. This review summarizes evidence that proteinases, through activation of PARs, interact with the peripheral nervous system (PNS), playing roles in neurogenic inflammation, pain perception, secretory and motor functions, as well as in the response to nerve injuries. Activation of PARs interferes with numerous physiological events that are under tight neural control, in addition to modulating nerve survival. New potential roles are suggested for members of the PAR family, highlighting proteinases and their receptors as potential therapeutic targets for diseases associated with PNS activation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 4N1. nvergnol@ucalgary.ca
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Vergnolle
authors.forename: Mara
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ferazzini
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: D'Andrea
authors.forename: Jörg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Buddenkotte
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Steinhoff
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D012634:Bodily Secretions / Q000378:metabolism; D002470:Cell Survival; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism; D009068:Movement; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D010146:Pain / Q000378:metabolism; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism*; D044463:Receptor, PAR-1; D018179:Receptors, Thrombin / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D044463:Receptor, PAR-1; D018179:Receptors, Thrombin; C105295:protease-activated receptor 3; D010450:Endopeptidases