Although local thrombin formation during inflammation is likely to occur in the suburothelial compartment and thus stimulate basal and intermediate cells to elicit MIF release, our findings suggest that proteases present in the urine may also be able to activate PAR1 receptors in the urothelium, elicit MIF release and thus contribute to the initiation or maintenance of cystitis. The gene discussed is MIF; the disease is chronic cystitis.