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. 2004 Mar 29;141(8):1264–1274. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705750

Table 2.

Localization and function of protease-activated receptors in the GI tract

  Localization in the GI tract Known functions
PAR1 Enterocytes Increase permeability, apoptosis, chloride secretion, prostaglandin release
  Human colon cancer epithelium Proliferation and motility
  Myenteric neurons Suppression of fast excitatory postsynaptic potential
  Submucosal neurons Inhibition of chloride secretion,
  Fibroblasts Prostaglandin release
  Mast cells  
  Smooth muscle Relaxation/contraction
  Endothelium Gap formation
PAR2 Enterocytes Chloride secretion, prostaglandin production, eicosanoid production
  Human colon cancer epithelium Proliferation
  Myenteric neurons Neuropeptide release, increased excitability, suppression of fast excitatory postsynaptic potential
  Submucosal neurons Neuropeptide release, stimulate epithelial ion secretion, hyperexcitability
  Fibroblasts Prostaglandin release, proliferation
  Mast cells  
  Smooth muscle Relaxation/contraction
  Pancreatic duct epithelium Ion channel activation
  Pancreatic acinar cells Amylase secretion
  Endothelium/leukocyte interface Rolling, adhesion, transmigration, gap formation
PAR3 Detected by RT–PCR in whole GI tissues (stomach and small intestine), but unidentified cell type  
PAR4 Enterocytes  
  Submucosa Contraction of longitudinal muscle
  Enteric neurons Depolarization
  Endothelium/leukocyte interface Rolling, adhesion, transmigration