Protease-activated receptors in inflammation, neuronal signaling and pain

The ability of proteases to regulate cell function via protease-activated r eceptors (PARs) has led to new insights about the potential physiological f unctions of these enzymes, Several studies suggest that PARs play roles in both inflammation and tissue repair, depending on the cellular environment in which they act. The recent detection of PARs an peripheral and central n eurons suggests that neuronal PARs might be involved not only in neurogenic inflammation and neurodegenerative processes, but also in nociception, Thu s, the list of potential roles for PARs has lengthened considerably and the ir physiological course of action might be much broader than initially anti cipated.