Summary
As our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the sensation of pain continues to expand,
researchers are constantly searching for novel therapeutic targets. One such novel
pain pathway involves thrombin and its associated protease-activated receptor (PAR).
Besides its traditional role in haemostasis, thrombin has multiple roles in both the
central and peripheral nervous system including activation of microglia, regulation
of neuronal death and neurite outgrowth, and influencing the transmission of pain
signals in the nociceptive circuitry. Eventually therapeutic modalities directed at
these targets could provide novel therapeutic approaches for treating chronic pain.
The thrombin-associ-ated PARs also have roles in inflammation, neurodevelopment, and
conducting pain, both in conjunction with thrombin and independently. Recent laboratory
evidence suggests that the PARs can attenuate pain mediated by the enteric nervous
system in animal models (for example in pancreatitis and colitis). This review highlights
several pathways in the mediation of pain sensation that can be influenced by thrombin.
Keywords
Thrombin - protease activated receptor - pain - hemostasis - coagulation - inflammation