Platelet-activating factor-antagonists reduce implantation in mice at low doses only

The effects of a number of platelet-activating factor (PAF)-antagonists on embryo implantation were investigated. Mice were treated from Day 1 to Day 4 of pregnancy with three defined PAF-antagonists: SRI 63 441, BN 52021, and WEB 2086. Necroscopies were performed on Day 8 and the number of implantation sites, the implantation rate (number of implanted embryos compared with the number of corpora lutea) and the proportion of animals pregnant were determined. Each agent caused a reduction in the number of implantation sites at relatively low doses. The dose that had a maximum contragestational effect was 40 micrograms, 10 micrograms and 10 micrograms (per 30 g bodyweight per day) for SRI 63 441, WEB 2086 and BN 52021 respectively. This contragestational effect was completely lost at twice (SRI 63 441), five times (WEB 2086) and ten times (BN 52021) the most effective dose. Treatment with WEB 2086 on the day of implantation (Day 4) by intraperitoneal injection or instillation into the uterus only did not significantly reduce the implantation rate and neither did treatment after implantation (Days 5-8). The results show that the pharmacology of PAF-antagonists in early pregnancy is not simple. An understanding of the actions of these agents in early pregnancy will require a detailed knowledge of their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and targets of action in early pregnancy.