IgE-induced release of a platelet-activating factor from rabbit lung.

Sensitized rabbit lung fragments release a platelet-activating factor (PAFL) after challenge with specific antigen or monospecific antibody to rabbit IgE. This release requires calcium and is less evident in lungs from rabbits producing IgG as well as IgE antibody. The PAFL released from lung stimulates the secretion of serotonin from washed rabbit platelets. PAFL is distinguishable from ADP or thrombin and has properties similar to PAF derived from basophils (PAFB). It is not, however, identical to PAFB since rabbit platelets specifically desenitized to PAF still respond by releasing serotonin if stimulated with PAFL.