Specific binding of platelet-activating factor (PAF) by human peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes

Binding of platelet-activating factor (PAF) to human peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes was time-dependent, reversible, and saturable. [3H]PAF binding to the cells was inhibited dose-dependently by unlabeled PAF and PAF receptor antagonists: L-659,989, triazolam, and alprazolam. Scatchard analysis of saturation binding data indicated one class of receptors for PAF with KD = 5.7 nM and Bmax = 18 fmol/10(6) cells (11,100 receptors/cell). PAF (10 nM) increased intracellular free calcium concentration in human lymphocytes and this effect was inhibited by L-659,989 dose-dependently. Our data suggest that human peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes have specific receptors for PAF.