RELEASE OF PLATELET-ACTIVATING-FACTOR IN ACUTE EXPERIMENTAL PANCREATITIS

This study demonstrates the formation of platelet-activating factor (P AF) in rats with acute experimental pancreatitis (AEP). The AEP was in duced by infusing sodium taurodeoxycholate and trypsin into the bile-p ancreatic duct. The PAF content was increased in blood samples and in pulmonary and pancreatic tissue as compared with control animals. Sign ificant amounts of PAF were also found in peritoneal fluid. The PAF co ntent did increase in blood samples and in pulmonary tissue after admi nistration of endotoxin intravenously. The effects of intraperitoneal PAF administration were also studied and showed an increase of polymor phonuclear cells in blood samples. These findings suggest that acute p ancreatitis might generate and release PAF. Whether PAF release is ass ociated with the pathophysiology of complications in acute pancreatiti s remains to be elucidated.