[The physiopathology of acute pancreatitis: the role of platelet-activating factor (PAF)].

PAF-acether (platelet-activating factor) is a vasoactive substance appearing in plasma under certain pathological circumstances. The aim of our study was to determine plasma, peritoneal exudate and tissular levels of PAF-acether in bile reflux acute necro-hemorrhagic pancreatitis (ANP) in the conscious rat 60 minutes after induction. As we have previously demonstrated, ANP causes overwhelming shock in conscious rats. PAF-acether levels increased in plasma and peritoneal exudate of rats with ANP. In contrast, tissular PAF levels were similar to basal values. In conclusion, these data suggest a role of PAF-acether in the hemodynamic impairment that follows induction of pancreatitis.