Intravenous Platelet-activating Factor Research Articles

PAF, rather than Histamine, Participates in Mouse Anaphylactic Hypotension

We determined the roles of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and histamine in anaphylactic hypotension in ovalbumin-sensitized anesthetized BALB/c mice. The effects of PAF and histamine on hemodynamic variables were studied by measuring the systemic arterial (Psa), portal venous (Ppv) and central venous (Pcv) pressures. Intravenous PAF evoked a biphasic Psa response, an initial rapid and transient drop followed by marked hypotension, accompanied by a decrease in Pcv. Histamine caused only mild systemic hypotension. Both agents similarly increased Ppv by approximately 4 cm H₂O at high doses. After an injection of antigen, Psa initially increased slightly and then decreased from the baseline of 94 ± 1 mm Hg to 46 ± 1 mm Hg at 10 min after antigen administration, with Pcv decreasing by 2.5 cm H₂O. Ppv increased by 3.5 cm H₂O at 5 min after antigen injection. Pretreatment with either CV-6209 (PAF receptor antagonist, 1 mg/kg) or diphenhydramine (histamine H₁ receptor antagonist, 20 mg/kg) significantly attenuated an antigen-induced decrease in Psa. The inhibitory action of CV-6209 was greater than that of diphenhydramine, and the combination of these 2 antagonists almost completely inhibited the anaphylactic hypotension. In contrast, the antigen-induced increase in Ppv was attenuated by CV-6209 alone but augmented by diphenhydramine. It is concluded that anaphylactic hypotension is mainly mediated by PAF and, to a lesser extent, by histamine in anesthetized BALB/c mice.

Effect of azelastine on platelet-activating factor-induced microvascular leakage in rat airways.

To determine the effect of the antiallergic drug azelastine on airway mucosal inflammation, we studied airway microvascular permeability in response to platelet-activating factor (PAF) in pathogen-free rats. Vascular permeability and neutrophil accumulation were assessed by the percent area occupied by Monastral blue-labeled blood vessels and by myeloperoxidase-containing granulocytes, respectively, in whole mounts of the trachea and main bronchus. Intravenous PAF caused dose-dependent increases in the area density of Monastral blue-labeled vessels and neutrophil influx, and the former effect was inhibited by depletion of circulating neutrophils by cyclophosphamide or treatment with the neutrophil elastase inhibitor ONO-5046. Pretreatment with azelastine inhibited PAF-induced vascular leakage without affecting neutrophil accumulation. This inhibitory effect of azelastine was not seen in neutropenic rats and ONO-5046-treated rats. PAF increased neutrophil elastase contents in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, an effect that was inhibited by azelastine. Therefore, azelastine attenuates PAF-induced airway mucosal microvascular leakage, probably involving inhibition of the release of neutrophil elastase from activated neutrophils.

Possible Role of Platelet-Activating Factor in thein VivoExpression of Tissue Factor in Neutrophils

Background.Recently, we demonstrated that neutrophils express tissue factor (TF) in a model of acute obstructive cholangitis (AOC). However, the regulation of TF expression was not clear. In this study, we clarified the role of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in TF expression in neutrophils.Materials and methods.In a model of AOC, intravenous PAF antagonist, (SM-12502, 200 mg/kg) was administered 5 min before sepsis was induced. Normal saline was given as a control. Coagulation parameters and TF activity were monitored for 6 h. Thereafter, the liver was harvested for histological examination.Results.The percentage of neutrophils which stained positive for TF was significantly reduced by SM-12502 (74.9 ± 19.3% vs 96.3 ± 2.8%) (P< 0.01). The number of leukocytes infiltrating the liver was also significantly reduced. Coagulation abnormalities, TF activity, and focal necrosis of the hepatocytes were reduced by SM-12502.Conclusions.SM-12502 inhibits TF expression in neutrophils which have infiltrated the liver sinusoids, reducing the subsequent infiltration of leukocytes. These results suggest that PAF plays an important role in the expression of TF in neutrophilsin vivo.

Susceptibility to platelet-activating factor-induced airway hyperreactivity and hyperpermeability: interstrain variation and genetic control.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a proinflammatory mediator known to elicit changes in airway reactivity and vascular permeability, and it may also have a role in the development and progression of acute respiratory distress syndrome and asthma. We have developed a mouse model to test the hypothesis that these traits were controlled by a single gene and were mechanistically related. We further hypothesized that there was a relationship between PAF-induced hyperreactivity and baseline reactivity to acetylcholine (ACh). Among eight inbred strains of mice that exhibited significant interstrain variation in ACh reactivity, intravenous PAF induced 16 to 278% increases in reactivity to ACh (25 micrograms/kg). PAF also elicited 95 to 307% increases in lung permeability as measured by Evans blue extravasation. Both reactivity and permeability changes induced by PAF were blocked by a PAF receptor antagonist (L-659,989). Strain distribution patterns for baseline reactivity to ACh and PAF-induced hyperreactivity and lung permeability were not significantly concordant, and suggest that the variables were not interdependent. Progeny derived from AKR/J (PAF hyperresponsive) and C3H/HeJ (PAF hyporesponsive) mice were characterized for their PAF responsiveness as determined by PAF-induced hyperreactivity and hyperpermeability. The ratios of hyperresponsive and hyporesponsive phenotypes in outcross progeny were compared to those predicted for Mendelian inheritance and assessed for relatedness by chi 2 and cosegregation analyses. Results suggested that PAF-induced hyperreactivity was controlled by a single gene, but PAF-induced hyperpermeability was controlled by a more complicated interaction of factors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Eugenol: a dual inhibitor of platelet-activating factor and arachidonic acid metabolism

Eugenol is an active principal and responsible for several pharmacological activities of clove oil. We studied the effects of eugenol on human platelet aggregation, arachidonic acid (AA) and platelet-activating factor (PAF) metabolism and in vivo effects on AA and PAF-induced shock in rabbits. Eugenol strongly inhibited PAF-induced platelet aggregation with lesser effect against AA and collegen. The IC(50) values were against AA: 31 ± 0.5; collagen: 64 ± 0.7 and PAF 7 ± 0.2 μM (n=9) respectively. In addition, eugenol stimulated PAF-acetylhydrolase activity suggesting that inhibition of PAF could be due to its inactivation to lyso-PAF. Pretreatment of rabbits with eugenol (50-100 mg/kg) prevented the lethal effects of intravenous PAF (11 μgg/kg) or AA (2 mg/kg) in a dose-dependent fashion. The protective effects of eugenol in the rabbits, however, were more pronounced against PAF-induced mortality (100% protection). In addition, eugenol also inhibited AA metabolism via cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways in human platelets. Both the production of thromboxane-A(2) and 12-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid was inhibited by eugenol in a concentration-related manner (30-120 μM). In vivo, eugenol (50-100 mg/kg; i.p.) inhibited carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema (P < 0.001). In this test, eugenol was 5 times more potent than aspirin. These results provide evidence that eugenol acts as a dual antagonist of AA and PAF.

Chronic platelet-activating factor induces a decrease in pulmonary vascular compliance, hydroxyproline, and loss of vascular matrix.

We have previously demonstrated that chronic intravenous platelet-activating factor (PAF) induces morphologic remodeling of pulmonary arteries characterized by a decrease in internal and external elastic lamina circumference, pulmonary arterial contracture, and internal elastic lamina duplication. The mechanism of PAF-induced arterial contracture is unknown. In this study we determined whether PAF caused arterial contracture through cell loss by calculating the number of cell nuclei/total cross-sectional area of arteries. The nuclear ratio was increased in intra- and preacinar pulmonary arteries of PAF-treated rabbits. Hydroxyproline content of lungs stratified by anatomic region was significantly reduced in intra-acinar tissue of PAF-treated rabbits, indicating that PAF-induced vascular contracture was associated with loss of interstitial collagen. We next tested whether these morphologic alterations were associated with decreased pulmonary vascular compliance and increased resistance. Compliance and resistance were determined in isolated, perfused lungs from rabbits chronically treated with PAF. Compliance was calculated: (1) from the slope of the venous occlusion trace (CVO), (2) by increasing left atrial pressure (CLA), (3) by increasing flow (CHF), and (4) by the classic static technique (CAV) of adding volume (2 ml) to a passively drained lung. Vascular compliance was significantly reduced in PAF-treated lungs when measured by all four methods; however, pulmonary vascular resistance was unchanged. We conclude that structural changes that result from chronic intravenous PAF infusion affect the elastic modulus to a greater extent than factors that influence pulmonary vascular resistance.

Effect of PAF on rat lung vascular permeability: role of platelets and polymorphonuclear leucocytes

1. The objectives of the present experiments were to assess the contribution of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNLs), platelets and their products such as thromboxane A2 (TxA2), histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine to platelet activating factor (PAF)-mediated protein extravasation in rat lungs. 2. Intravenous injection of PAF (1.0 and 5.0 micrograms kg-1) increased dose-dependently (up to 7.5 fold) the vascular permeability of the trachea, upper and lower bronchi to Evans blue dye (EB), a marker of albumin extravasation. The permeability of the pulmonary parenchyma was not affected significantly by PAF. 3. Thrombocytopenia induced by administration of the IgG fraction of goat anti-rat platelet serum (APS; 15 mg 100 g-1, i.p., 16-18 h) reduced by 55, 58 and 40% the effects of the lower dose of PAF (1.0 microgram kg-1) and by 31, 23 and 15% the effects of the higher dose of PAF (5.0 micrograms kg-1) on the permeability of the trachea, upper and lower bronchi respectively to albumin. 4. PMNL depletion induced by administration of rabbit anti-rat polymorphonuclear serum (ANS; 2 mg kg-1, i.v., 24 h) did not reduce significantly the effects of the lower dose of PAF (1.0 microgram kg-1) on the airways, however the effects of the higher dose of PAF (5.0 micrograms kg-1) on the permeability of the trachea, upper and lower bronchi to albumin were reduced by 43, 25 and 23% respectively. 5. The injection of both the anti-platelet and the anti-PMNL sera reduced by 61, 62 and 96% the effects of the lower dose of PAF (1.0 microg kg-1) and by 44, 39 and 47% the effects of the higher dose of PAF (5.0 microg kg-1) on the permeability of the trachea, upper and lower bronchi respectively.6. The combined injection of the TxA2-mimetic (U-44069; 5.0 microg kg-1) and PAF (1.0 and 5.0 microg kg-1)in thrombocytopenic rats overcame the vascular permeability decrease induced by APS treatment.7. Pretreatment of the animals with a combination of antagonists to histamine (mepyramine;3.0 mg kg-1) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (methysergide; 2.5 mg kg-1) did not cause a significant inhibition of the effect of PAF (1.0 and 5.0 microg kg-1) on EB extravasation in the airways.8. These data show that the effect of intravenous PAF on rat vascular permeability is partly modulated by polymorphonuclear leucocyte and platelet activation. Our results suggest that following its release,TxA2 could increase postcapillary hydrostatic pressure by inducing a venoconstriction and potentiate the extravasation elicited by PAF. These results do not suggest a major role for histamine and/or 5-hydroxytryptamine on PAF-induced albumin extravasation.

Bimodal effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on airways responsiveness in the rabbit.

The role of platelet-activating factor (PAF) to increase airways responsiveness is unclear. Since PAF has unusual dose-response characteristics in vitro, this study investigated the effects of different doses or concentrations of PAF given by intravenous and aerosol administration in anesthetized rabbits. Aerosol PAF caused a dose-dependent decrease in SGL. Intravenous administration of PAF was associated with thrombocytopenia and neutropenia, whereas aerosol administration of PAF did not alter the numbers of circulatory cells. With either administration, no inflammatory cells were recovered by lavage nor was there evidence of a gross inflammatory process within the lung. Furthermore, there was no evidence of a late asthmatic response. Intravenous PAF caused a bimodal change in airways responsiveness with a significant increase in the effective concentration causing 50% of the maximal change in SGL (EC50SGL) at low doses (0.06-06 micrograms/kg h-1) and a significant decrease in EC50SGL (an increase in responsiveness) at higher doses (1.2-2.4 micrograms/kg/h-1). Aerosol PAF decreased EC50SGL significantly at the higher doses (100-250 micrograms). These changes in EC50SGL, after both administrations, were still apparent at 3 1/2 and 4 h. In conclusion PAF has a dose-dependent, biphasic, and persistent effect on airways responsiveness, which may be independent of circulating inflammatory cells.

Protective effects of somatostatin against gastric damage induced by hemorrhagic shock, stress and PAF in the rat

Somatostatin is an endogenous cyclic tetradecapeptide which can exert effects on a wide range of gastrointestinal functions, including gastric acid and pepsin secretion, gastric and small intestinal motility, splanchnic blood flow, pancreatic enzyme secretion, intestinal nutrient absorption and gallbladder contractility. Somatostatin has also been shown to reduce the severity of ethanol-induced gastric damage. In this study, we examined the effect of pretreating rats with somatostatin (s.c.) on susceptibility to gastrointestinal damage induced by hemorrhagic shock, stress, platelet-activating factor (PAF), indomethacin or endotoxin. Somatostatin significantly reduced the extent of gastric damage induced by hemorrhagic shock when given at a dose of 20 μg/kg or greater ( P < 0.05). Somatostatin (20–50 μg/kg) also had a dose-dependent protective effect against stress-induced gastric damage. Versus gastric damage induced by intravenous PAF, a dose of 5 μg/kg of somatostatin had no effect, while doses of 15–100 μg/kg significantly reduced the extent of injury to the stomach. In contrast, somatostatin had no significant effect on gastric or intestinal damage caused by intravenous administration of Salmonella enteritidis endotoxin or by oral administration of indomethacin, despite significantly and dose-dependently (2–10 μg/kg) reducing both the volume and titratable acidity of gastric secretion. A protective dose of somatostatin (20 μg/kg) had only a small and transient effect on gastric blood flow. The present results demonstrate the effectiveness of somatostatin in protecting the mucosa from injury in a variety of models, and suggest that inhibition of gastric acid secretion is not the sole mechanism underlying these protective effects.

Role of endogenous platelet-activating factor (PAF) in endotoxin-induced portal hypertension in rats.

To determine the role of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in endotoxin-induced portal hypertension, we performed continuous recording of both blood pressure (BP) and portal venous pressure (PVP) in rats following the administration of intravenous PAF (25 ng/kg), intraportal PAF (25 ng/kg), intraportal endotoxin (2 mg/kg), and intraportal endotoxin (2 mg/kg) for 1 min subsequent to pretreatment with a specific PAF-antagonist (CV-6209, 1 mg/kg, i.v.). Basal resting values of both BP (102.3 +/- 9.3 mmHg) and PVP (7.7 +/- 1.2 mmHg) fell rapidly after intravenous infusion of PAF (BP: 36.7 +/- 5.8 mmHg; PVP: 5.7 +/- 0.8 mmHg) and followed by gradual return. Intraportal PAF infusion elicited a rapid but less severe depression of BP (57.2 +/- 9.4 mmHg) as compared with intravenous PAF infusion, whereas PVP was increased transiently around 4 min after treatment (11.0 +/- 5.3 mmHg). A similar degree of PVP elevation (10.7 +/- 2.0 mmHg) was observed between 8 and 20 min after intraportal administration of endotoxin. Depression of BP was initiated 12 min after endotoxin administration but was not severe (76.6 +/- 12.8 mmHg). CV-6209 significantly alleviated the endotoxin-induced elevation of PVP and completely inhibited the hypotension. These observations suggest that: (i) PAF-induced elevation of PVP is a direct response of the liver to PAF; and (ii) endogenous PAF plays an important role in the endotoxin-induced portal hypertension.

PAF antagonism in vitro and in vivo by aglafoline from Aglaia elliptifolia Merr

Aglafoline, isolated from Aglaia elliptifolia Merr, inhibited in a selective and concentration-dependent manner the aggregation and ATP release reaction induced in washed rabbit platelets by PAF (platelet-activating factor). The IC 50 values of aglafoline, BN52021 and kadsurenone on PAF (3.6 nM)-induced platelet aggregation were about 50, 12 and 18 μM, respectively. Aglafoline also inhibited [ 3H]PAF (3.6 nM) binding to washed rabbit platelets with an IC 50 value of 17.8 ± 2.6 μM. The concentration-response curve of PAF-induced platelet aggregation was shifted to the right by aglafoline with pA 2 and pA 10 values of 5.97 and 5.04, respectively. Although thromboxane B 2 formation caused by collagen and thrombin was partially suppressed by aglafoline, thromboxane B 2 formation caused by ionophore A23187 and arachidonic acid was not affected. Aglafoline inhibited the [ 3H]inositol monophosphate formation caused by PAF but not that caused by collagen or thrombin in the presence of indomethacin (20 μM). The cAMP content of washed rabbit platelets was not affected by aglafoline. Rat femoral intravenous administration of aglafoline (10 mg/kg) did not affect blood pressure. However, aglafoline (10 mg/kg) both prophylactically and therapeutically antagonized PAF (2.5 μg/kg)-induced hypotensive shock in rats. Intravenous PAF (30 ng/kg) caused severe bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs. This effect was completely blocked by aglafoline. This implies aglafoline is an effective PAF antagonist not only in vitro, but also in vivo.

Effects of platelet-activating factor on vascular permeability and granulocyte recruitment in the rat trachea.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a phospholipid mediator known to produce several features of airway inflammation. We examined the effects of intravenous PAF on vascular permeability and granulocyte recruitment in the rat trachea. To assess vascular permeability, anesthetized rats were given injections of Evans blue dye (30 mg/kg, iv) and PAF (1-10 micrograms/kg, iv), and then their tracheas were removed and assayed spectrophotometrically for dye content. We found that a PAF dosage of 6 micrograms/kg increased the tracheal dye content 7-fold compared to controls. The amount of extravasated dye in the tracheas was significantly increased 1 min after PAF injection, was maximal at 5 min, and had returned to control levels by 10 min. To assess granulocyte recruitment, anesthetized rats were given an injection of PAF (6 micrograms/kg, iv), and then their tracheas were removed and stained to reveal myeloperoxidase-containing neutrophils and eosinophils. We found that the number of neutrophils in the tracheal mucosa was increased 7-fold from controls 5 min after PAF injection, but was not significantly increased 6 h later. The number of eosinophils in the tracheal mucosa was not significantly increased from controls at any time after PAF injection. We conclude that intravenous PAF causes a rapid but transient increase in vascular permeability in the rat trachea, and that intravenous PAF also causes a rapid but transient recruitment of neutrophils into the tracheal mucosa without a similar effect on eosinophils.

Cardiovascular effects of platelet‐activating factor

Sudden release of platelet-activating factor (PAF) into the circulation can cause hypotension, tachycardia, and circulatory collapse. To further examine this response, we performed detailed studies of cardiovascular function after PAF administration to young domestic pigs and newborn piglets. Our results indicate that circulatory dysfunction after PAF reflects severe constriction of pulmonary resistance vessels and consequent acute right ventricular failure. Although PAF-induced coronary artery constriction and contractile depression may be complicating problems, left ventricular underperfusion and dysfunction after PAF are mainly the result of systemic arterial hypotension and diminished left ventricular filling. The adverse hemodynamic effects of PAF are accompanied by substantial release of thromboxane A2 (TxA2). These effects are mimicked by the TxA2 agonist U-46619 and partially blocked by specific and nonspecific inhibitors of TxA2 synthesis (OKY-046 and indomethacin). Even more potent blockade of PAF action is exerted by the TxA2 receptor blocker, SQ 29,548. Taken together, these findings indicate that severe pulmonary vascular constriction and hemodynamic collapse soon after intravenous PAF are at least partially mediated by PAF-induced TxA2 release. Tachyphylaxis to PAF influence has been observed in studies of leukocyte and platelet function. We hypothesized that tachyphylaxis to PAF might also occur in our studies of constrictor responses in pulmonary vessels. Recently, we have examined the capacity of PAF to produce sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction in open-chested, anesthetized newborn piglets. Infusions sufficient to produce 100% increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure after 3 min showed no loss of efficacy when sustained for 30 min.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

In Vivo Antiaggregatory Action of Platelet-Activating Factor in Beagle Dogs: Role for Prostacyclin

The effects of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on in vivo platelet aggregation were studied in anaesthetized beagle dogs by using the extracorporeal filter-loop technique. Intraarterial administration of PAF caused an immediate increase in filter pressure, indicating enhanced in vivo platelet aggregation. Intravenous administration of PAF (3-100 ng kg-1) resulted in a transient dose-dependent inhibition of spontaneous platelet aggregation on the filter with concomitant elevation in plasma 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels. These changes were significantly attenuated by pretreatment of the animals either with BN 52021 (4 mg kg-1), a specific PAF receptor antagonist or with acetylsalicylic acid (25 mg kg-1). Intraarterial infusion of exogenous prostacyclin at concentrations similar to those observed following intravenous PAF administration, resulted in a transient inhibition of the spontaneous platelet aggregation. These data provide evidence for prostacyclin release in response to PAF, and suggest that prostacyclin may mediate the in vivo anti-aggregatory action of PAF in anaesthetized dogs.

Effect of platelet activating factor on formation and composition of airway fluid in the guinea‐pig trachea.

1. We studied the effect of platelet activating factor (PAF) on leakage of albumin, and secretion of fucose (a marker for mucus glycoprotein) and protein into the tracheal lumen of the guinea-pig isolated in situ, and on bioelectric properties and fluxes of mannitol in vitro. We also studied the effect of PAF on mucus secretion in human bronchi in vitro. 2. In guinea-pig, intravenous PAF markedly increased the luminal concentration of protein but did not significantly increase fucose concentrations. Increased albumin leakage (274% above controls at a dose of 50 ng/kg PAF) was associated with the increased luminal content of protein (248% above controls at the same dose of PAF). 3. Leakage of albumin was maximal 10 min after PAF, was significantly reduced by 20 min and had returned to baseline by 30 min. This pattern of leakage could be repeated with successive administrations of PAF. 4. PAF induced small but significant biphasic changes in bioelectric properties in vitro. The initial response was rapid in onset and characterized by maximal increases in short-circuit current (Isc) of 6.5% above controls at 7.5 min and in conductance (G) of 7% at 20 min. Both responses were blocked by the PAF receptor antagonist WEB 2086. Amiloride blocked the increase in Isc. Permeability of the tissue to mannitol (Pmann) was unaltered. The delayed response was characterized by maximal increases in Isc and G of 10% above controls at 60-90 min which were not significantly affected by WEB 2086 or amiloride. Pmann was increased by 38% at 90 min. 5. PAF increased fucose secretion in human bronchi in vitro. 6. Lyso-PAF in vitro caused changes similar to those induced by PAF on bioelectric properties and mucus secretion, but had no significant effects in vivo. 7. Light microscopy showed no evidence of epithelial disruption in animals given intravenous PAF at a dose causing significant albumin transudation. 8. We conclude that PAF increases the protein content of guinea-pig tracheal fluid principally by inducing plasma leakage rather than mucus secretion and that the small changes in ion transport and epithelial conductance may reduce the tendency to epithelial disruption during plasma leakage.

Effect of platelet activating factor (PAF) on blood flow distribution in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

A dose-dependent decrease in mean arterial blood pressure was produced in spontaneously hypertensive rats by intravenous PAF infusion. Heart rate was monitored, while cardiac index and regional blood flow were quantitated during maintenance of the PAF-induced hypotension using the radioactive microsphere method. Our results suggest that PAF administration is associated with specific changes in vascular resistance, since estimated blood flow was decreased to certain organs or tissues, but remained unchanged in others. Therefore, the hypotension observed during PAF infusion is dose-dependent, and is contributed to by decreases in vascular resistance in specific organs.