EFFECT OF ALCOHOL ON PLATELET-ACTIVATING-FACTOR ACETYLHYDROLASE ACTIVITY IN PREGNANT AND NONPREGNANT MICE

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) induces platelet aggregation and hypo tension. It has been implicated in embryonic implantation, fetal lung maturation, and parturition. Alcohol abuse is associated with platelet dysfunction, chronic hypertension, and alcohol-related birth defects. We hypothesized that alcohol may cause, in part, these effects by inc reasing the activity of PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH), thereby decreasi ng PAF concentration. Pregnant mice were given 3.5 g/kg of alcohol ora lly twice daily from gestation days 7-17. PAF-AH was measured on gesta tion days 5, 14, and 19 in pregnant females. Nonpregnant females were treated and sampled at parallel time intervals. Pair-fed and untreated control groups were also used. The maternal plasma PAF-AH decreased w ith gestational age in the untreated controls. Alcohol significantly i ncreased PAF-AH levels in both the pregnant and nonpregnant animals. P AF deficiency might contribute to the tocolytic action of alcohol, as well as some alcohol-related pregnancy complications.