Physiological functions of protease-activated receptor-2.

Accession number;03A0437244
Title;Physiological functions of protease-activated receptor-2.
Author; KAWABATA ATSUFUMI (Kinki Univ., Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sci., JPN)
Journal Title;Folia Pharmacologica Japonica
Journal Code:G0740A
ISSN:0015-5691
VOL.121;NO.6;PAGE.411-420(2003)
Figure&Table&Reference;FIG.2, TBL.1, REF.85
Pub. Country;Japan
Language;Japanese
Abstract;Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are a family of G-protein-coupled-seven-trans-membrane-domain-receptors activated by specific proteases, consisting of four family members. PAR-2, a receptor activated by trypsin, tryptase or coagulation factors VIIa and Xa, is unevenly distributed throughout the mammalian body, modulating multiple physiological functions. In the gastrointestinal tract, PAR-2 is involved in gastric mucosal cytoprotection, smooth muscle motility modulation, salivary and pancreatic exocrine secretion, intestinal ionic transport, etc. In the circulatory system, endothelial PAR-2, upon activation, induces vascular relaxation by mechanisms dependent on nitric oxide or endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), resulting in hypotension in vivo. In the respiratory system, PAR-2 appears to play a dual role, being pro- and anti-inflammatory. In the nervous system, PAR-2 present in capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons participates in processing of pain information. PAR-2 is thus involved in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological functions. PAR-2 is now considered one of the most important molecules as a target for drug development. (author abst.)
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