effects

Last reviewed 01/2018

PAF can produce a range of inflammatory phenomena, even at low concentration; some responses are concentration-dependent:

  • at low concentration, vasodilatation; at higher concentration, vasoconstriction
  • increased venular permeability
  • platelet aggregation and degranulation
  • neutrophil aggregation, endothelial adhesion and chemotaxis
  • smooth muscle contraction in lung and gastrointestinal tract
  • synthesis of other mediators e.g. prostanoids, and synergism with their effects

Hence, administration of PAF to animal models can produce effects varying in severity between localised inflammation and anaphylactic shock.