epidermal-growth-factor and Angina--Unstable

Alpha-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-beta (TGFbeta). The role that autocrine growth factors play in alpha-thrombin-induced proliferation will be discussed in this review.

Topics: Angina, Unstable; Animals; Antithrombins; Catheterization; Cell Division; Clinical Trials as Topic; Epidermal Growth Factor; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; Growth Substances; Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor; Hirudin Therapy; Humans; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Receptor, PAR-1; Receptors, Thrombin; Recurrence; Thrombin; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Treatment Failure