Interactions between platelet-activating factor and prostanoids during mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion-induced shock...

The effects of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on prostanoid release during mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion-induced shock were investigated in anesthesized dogs 1) by measuring plasma levels of prostaglandin (PG)F2 alpha, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and thromboxane (TX)B2 in the superior mesenteric vein during reperfusion following 2 hr occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery; 2) by monitoring the effects of BN 52021, a specific PAF receptor antagonist and indomethacin on hemodynamic parameters and prostanoid levels; and 3) by studying circulatory responses to PAF and PGF2 alpha injected into the superior mesenteric vein in the presence of BN 52021 or indomethacin. Restoration of the blood flow following 2 hr ischemia resulted in an immediate dramatic decrease in mean arterial blood pressure, with a concomitant increase in mean portal venous pressure, hematocrit values, and plasma prostanoid levels. Pretreatment of the animals either with BN 52021 (4 mg.kg-1) or indomethacin (2 mg.kg-1 plus 3 mg.kg-1hr-1) prevented the circulatory collapse and the increase in prostanoid levels during reperfusion. Administration of exogenous PAF (0.1 micrograms.kg-1) or PGF2 alpha (10 micrograms.kg-1) into the superior mesenteric vein evoked hypotension similar to that observed during reperfusion. Pretreatment of the animals with BN 52021 completely prevented the effects of PAF but failed to modify the responses to PGF2 alpha. Indomethacin at a dose that inhibited prostanoid formation was highly effective to attenuate the hypotensive response to exogenous PAF. These data suggest that prostanoid formation may be secondary to PAF release in circulatory collapse evoked by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion and give further support to the notion of the importance of PAF prostanoid interaction during ischemia-reperfusion-induced shock.