Characteristic properties of thrombin neurotropic activity

There are considered the characteristic features of thrombin functional activity in central and peripheral nervous system. A family of specialized membrane receptors--so called PARs (Proteinase Activated Receptors) and their presence in several parts of CNS is described. The concentration- and PAR-dependent neuroprotecting and injuring effects of thrombin in CNS are compared. The literature and original authors data are presented demonstrating the presence of PARs in peripheral nervous system and the ability of endogenous and exogenous thrombin to influence the regeneration of peripheral nerves. The perspectives of experimental approach are discussed, when the exogenous thrombin or peptide-agonists of PARs are used to accelerate the nerve regeneration in vivo.