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Effect of systemic platelet-activating factor (PAF) on the rabbit spinal cord microcirculation
P J Lindsberg1, T P Jacobs, I A Paakkari
1Department of Neurology, F. Edward Hebért School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799.
Journal of Lipid Mediators
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Platelet-activating factor (PAF) affects spinal cord microcirculation by altering blood flow and vascular resistance, primarily through eicosanoid mechanisms. Indomethacin pretreatment blocks these PAF-induced hemodynamic changes and eicosanoid release.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a mediator with pro-inflammatory and vasoactive properties.
- PAF has been linked to ischemic neuroinjury, highlighting its potential role in neurological damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific effects of PAF on rabbit spinal cord microcirculation (SCM).
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying PAF's influence on SCM, particularly the role of eicosanoids.
Main Methods:
- Utilized laser-Doppler flowmetry to continuously monitor spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) and mean arterial pressure in rabbits.
- Administered intravenous PAF and measured plasma levels of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha.
- Compared responses with and without indomethacin pretreatment to assess the role of prostaglandins.
Main Results:
- PAF infusion caused a transient decrease in SCBF and systemic hypotension, followed by a decrease in spinal cord vascular resistance (SCVR).
- Plasma levels of TXB2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha were significantly elevated post-PAF infusion.
- Indomethacin effectively blocked the hemodynamic effects and eicosanoid release induced by PAF.
Conclusions:
- PAF modulates spinal cord microcirculation through an eicosanoid-mediated mechanism.
- Eicosanoids, specifically TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, play a significant role in PAF-induced changes in SCM.
- These findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for managing conditions involving PAF and spinal cord injury.