Platelet-tissue interaction: role of platelet-activating factor (PAF-acether).
The platelet-activating factor, or PAF-acether, is a phospholipid derivative that is a potent aggregating agent. It is formed by platelets themselves and also by basophils, neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages including alveolar macrophages. A role for PAF-acether during inflammation is envisaged since its intravenous administration induces hypotension, thrombocytopenia and bronchoconstriction in anaesthetized guinea-pigs. It is hypothesized that platelets, which contain and synthetize many pro-inflammatory substances, play a primary role in some pathological states.
D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000503:physiopathology; D000818:Animals; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000276:immunology; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000502:physiology*; D001980:Bronchi / Q000187:drug effects; D002199:Capillary Permeability; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D008244:Lysophosphatidylcholines / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D011817:Rabbits
D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D008244:Lysophosphatidylcholines; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor