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Fibronectin levels in plasma after platelet-activating factor inhalation
1Allergic Disease Center, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebr.
International Archives of Allergy and Applied Immunology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Platelet-activating factor-acether (PAF) inhalation causes transient increases in plasma fibronectin and decreases in white blood cell counts. These changes suggest PAF may induce pulmonary vascular injury, potentially involving neutrophils.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Immunology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Platelet-activating factor-acether (PAF) is a potent mediator implicated in inflammatory and allergic responses.
- Pulmonary vascular injury is a serious complication that can arise from various inflammatory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of PAF inhalation on fibronectin levels and leukocyte counts.
- To determine if PAF inhalation can induce pulmonary vascular injury in humans.
Main Methods:
- Normal subjects and atopic asthmatics underwent PAF inhalation challenges.
- Plasma fibronectin levels were measured before and after PAF inhalation.
- Blood leukocyte counts (total white blood cells and neutrophils) were assessed post-inhalation.
Main Results:
- Plasma fibronectin levels significantly increased 5 minutes after PAF inhalation (p < 0.024).
- Total white blood cell and neutrophil counts significantly decreased 5 minutes after PAF inhalation (p < 0.028 and p < 0.043, respectively).
Conclusions:
- PAF inhalation leads to transient elevations in plasma fibronectin.
- PAF inhalation causes a decrease in peripheral leukocyte counts.
- Elevated fibronectin may indicate PAF-induced pulmonary vascular injury, possibly mediated by neutrophils.