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Semin Thromb Hemost 1998; 24(2): 145-150
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-995833
Copyright © 1998 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

The Role of Secondary Growth Factor Production in Thrombin-lnduced Proliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

George A. Stouffer, Marschall S. Runge
  • From the Department of Medicine and The Sealy Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
06 February 2008 (online)

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Abstract

α-Thrombin is a multifunctional serine proteinase that is concentrated at sites of vascular injury and has been implicated in vascular healing responses following balloon injury. In addition to its well-known hemostatic effects, thrombin stimulates smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation via binding of protease activated receptor-1 (PAR-1), a seven transmembrane, G-protein-coupled cell surface receptor. Following activation of this receptor, SMC produce and secrete various autocrine growth factors, including platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), heparin binding epidermal growth factor (HBEGF), and transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ). The role that autocrine growth factors play in α-thrombin-induced proliferation will be discussed in this review.

Keywords:

Restenosis - smooth muscle - angioplasty - growth factors - thrombin