Localization of the platelet-activating factor receptor to rat pancreatic microvascular endothelial cells

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent lipid autocoid involved in num erous inflammatory processes. Although PAF plays a key role as a mediator o f inflammation in acute pancreatitis, the site(s) of action of PAF in the p ancreas remains unknown. One of the aims of this study was to identify cell types within the pancreas expressing the PAF receptor using immunohistoche mical protocols. Additionally, pancreatic microvascular endothelial cells w ere isolated and examined for the PAF receptor using immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and intracellular calcium responses to PAF exposure. Immunohistochemical analysis of pancreatic slice s using an antibody directed toward the N-terminus of the PAF receptor reve aled specific localization to the vascular endothelium with no localization to other pancreatic cell types. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain rea ction of RNA isolated from cultured pancreatic islet endothelial cells yiel ded the predicted amplicon for the PAF receptor. Cultured pancreatic islet endothelial cells responded to PAF as measured by a transient increase in i ntracellular calcium, which was ameliorated in the presence of a PAF recept or antagonist. The results demonstrate the localization of PAF receptors on the pancreatic vascular endothelium. The presence of PAF receptors on the pancreatic vascular endothelium provides a defined, highly localized target for therapeutic intervention.