抄録
Fibrin deposition is frequently observed at inflamed sites. Limited efforts, however, have so far been made to shed light on the roles of blood coagulation in inflammation. Recent studies have increasingly revealed a close association of the blood coagulation system with inflammation and immune reactions; the coagulation factors can also work as inflammatory mediators or immune modulators, and that, vice versa, some inflammatory or immune stimuli are linked to blood coagulation. Here, the progress in the investigation of thrombin, factor Xa, tissue factor, factors of the kallikrein/kinin system and fibrinopeptide B are reviewed from the viewpoint of their roles, with an emphasis on the molecular basis, in inflammation (vascular permeability enhancement, leukocyte chemotaxis, mediator release, etc.) and immune reactions (T-cell proliferation, cytokine production, etc.). Evidence presented in this report suggests a network among blood coagulation, inflammation and immune reactions.
