Release of platelet-activating factor in acute experimental pancreatitis.

This study demonstrates the formation of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in rats with acute experimental pancreatitis (AEP). The AEP was induced by infusing sodium taurodeoxycholate and trypsin into the bile-pancreatic duct. The PAF content was increased in blood samples and in pulmonary and pancreatic tissue as compared with control animals. Significant amounts of PAF were also found in peritoneal fluid. The PAF content did increase in blood samples and in pulmonary tissue after administration of endotoxin intravenously. The effects of intraperitoneal PAF administration were also studied and showed an increase of polymorphonuclear cells in blood samples. These findings suggest that acute pancreatitis might generate and release PAF. Whether PAF release is associated with the pathophysiology of complications in acute pancreatitis remains to be elucidated.