T. Martin et al., THE ROLE OF PLATELET-ACTIVATING-FACTOR (PAF) IN INTERSTITIAL PULMONARY-DISEASE, Journal of investigational allergology & clinical immunology, 4(3), 1994, pp. 149-157
Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a biolipid of crucial importance i
n the inflammatory response. In the first part of this work we review
the basic biochemical characteristics of PAF Also, the production and
degradation of PAF by inflammatory cells is detailed in depth, with a
description of enzymes linked to these processes. Subsequently, we exa
mine the main characteristics of the generation of PAF by pulmonary ce
lls, with emphasis on its production by alveolar macrophages. We then
discuss in depth the effects of this biolipid on the inflammatory cell
s present in interstitial disease. In this part of the review we descr
ibe the direct effect of PAF on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutroph
ils and eosinophils), mononuclear phagocyte system cells, lymphocytes
and endothelial cells. We then examine the indirect effect of PAF on i
nflammatory cells (mainly due to an interaction with neuropeptides). F
inally, we discuss the data on the role of PAF in diffuse interstitial
pulmonary disease (both human and experimental).