The role of platelet activating factor in allergic inflammation

It is becoming increasingly apparent that platelet activating factor (PAF) is an important mediator in allergic disease. It is synthesized by a variety of cells including those which are thought to participate in the inflammatory process. In turn, PAF may stimulate these cells which further propagates the inflammatory process. Furthermore, PAF can mimic most of the characteristics which are relevant in allergic inflammation and PAF can produce effects comparable to that produced by antigen in animal models of allergic inflammation and in man. Other evidence to support the involvement of PAF in allergic disease has also arisen with the advent of PAF antagonists. Many PAF-induced responses can be attenuated by these agents and many antigen-induced responses in both animal models and in man can also be attenuated by PAF antagonists. This review attempts to summarize the results from studies which have investigated the role of PAF in allergic inflammation and the effects of PAF antagonists against both PAF and allergic-induced responses.