Effects of trypsin, thrombin and proteinase-activated receptors on guinea pig common bile duct motility

► Proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) modulate gastrointestinal motility. ► The common bile duct (CBD) is exposed to many proteinases that can activate PARs. ► PAR1, PAR2 and PAR4 agonists but not control peptides relax CBD strips in vitro. ► PAR1 and PAR2 mediate whereas agonists of PAR4 elicit guinea pig CBD relaxation. ► PARs may play an important role in the control of CBD motility.