Role of platelet-activating factor in pathogenesis of galactosamine-lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury

In an attempt to clarify the role of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in the pathogenesis of hepatic injury induced by galactosamine (GalN) plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS), effects of WEB 2086 (PAF receptor antagonist) on hepatic injury in vivo as well as on neutrophil adherence to hepatic endothelial cells in vitro have been investigated, as we have recently clarified the role of neutrophils in this experimental model of hepatic injury. Although an enhanced serum TNF-alpha level after GalN-LPS administration was not reduced by WEB 2086, hepatic injury and hepatic neutrophil accumulation in the liver after GalN-LPS administration were attenuated by WEB 2086. An in vitro study revealed that an enhanced neutrophil adhesion to hepatic endothelial cells by stimulation with the sera that were collected from the GalN-LPS-treated rats, was reduced in the presence of WEB 2086 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, LPS, TNF-alpha, and PAF were found to enhance the neutrophil adherence to hepatic endothelial cells, which was reduced in the presence of WEB 2086. These results suggest that PAF play an important role in the GalN-LPS induced hepatic injury and that PAF receptor antagonist reduces the neutrophil adherence to hepatic endothelial cells in the liver.