REGULATION OF TISSUE-TYPE PLASMINOGEN-ACTIVATOR CONCENTRATIONS BY CLEARANCE VIA THE MANNOSE RECEPTOR AND OTHER RECEPTORS

This review describes the identity, tissue distribution, ligands and f unctions of the mannose receptor and other tissue-type plasminogen act ivator (t-PA) clearance receptors like the low-density lipoprotein rec eptor-related protein (LRP). The receptor binding sites of t-PA and th e corresponding t-PA binding sites of the receptors are summarized, an d recently developed inhibitors of t-PA clearance are described. The c ontribution of the receptors to the systemic clearance of t-PA, and (p atho)physiological conditions that may influence receptor expression, t-PA clearance and plasma t-PA concentrations are evaluated. Furthermo re, the potential use of mannose receptor inhibitors in thrombolytic a nd antithrombotic therapy is discussed.