Measurement of platelet-activating factor by physicochemical technique s.

The measurement of PAF by physiochemical methods perhaps in the future will become the normal mode for the measurement of this molecule. This is due in part to the limitations in the bioassay and radiometric assays but also to the fact that the development of facile techniques that are acceptable to the community both in terms of operation, sensitivity, and accuracy are attainable. It is with these latter forms of measurement that significant advances can be made in the understanding of the biosynthesis and metabolism of PAF after specific stimuli of either isolated cells, organs, or the intact organism. Recent studies using mass spectrometry have suggested that 95% of PAF administered via the airway was retained within the lung primarily in only 2 cell types: the alveolar type II cell and the nonciliated bronchiolar epithelial cell (Clara cell). Further characterization of the metabolites in these lungs suggested a biochemical interconnection between PAF and arachidonate metabolism.