The serine protease thrombin is known as a blood coagulation factor. Through limited
cleavage of proteinase-activated receptors it can also control growth and functions in
various cell types, including neurons, astrocytes, and microglia (brain macrophages). A
number of previous studies indicated that thrombin induces the release of proinflammatory
cytokines and chemokines from microglial cells, suggesting another important role for the
protease beyond hemostasis. In the present report, we provide evidence that this effect is not …