Roles of platelets and proteinase-activated receptors in gastric ulcer healing

Proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) are expressed on the surface of many cells, but those on the platelet have been among the most thoroughly characterized. PARs act as key receptors mediating the proaggregatory and pro-secretory effects of thrombin. In addition to contributing to hemostasis, platelets are increasingly being viewed as important contributors to healing and to tumor growth. This is attributable to the many pro- and anti-angiogenic factors that are stored within platelets, which can be released at the sites of injury and new vessel growth. In this paper, we review the importance of the platelet in gastric ulcer healing, the contribution of platelet-contained angiogenic factors to the healing of gastric ulcers, and the role of PARs in regulating the release of angiogenic factors from platelets. Taken together, our results suggest that PARs, including those expressed on platelets, are a rational therapeutic target for modulating healing processes and tumor growth.