Essential fatty acid-deficient diet modifies PAF levels in stomach and duodenum of endotoxin-treated rats

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is thought to play an important role in pathogenesis of endotoxin shock. Here, using essential fatty acid deficient (EFAD) rats, we have evaluated changes in mean arterial blood pressure, PAF levels and damage in both stomach and duodenum following intravenous administration of endotoxin (LPS). In EFAD rats the second phase of LPS-induced hypotension was strongly reduced. Similarly, PAF levels in stomach and duodenum of EFAD rats were also reduced and correlated to the diminished damage. Our study confirms a direct involvement of PAF in LPS-induced gastrointestinal damage.