Pharmacological actions and pathophysiological

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL ROLES

Pharmacological Actions

  • On platelets – Causes aggregation and release TXA2.
  • On WBC – Chemotactic to neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes. Stimulates neutrophils to aggregate  and stick to vascular endothelium and migrate across it to the site of infection. It also promotes release of lysosomal enzymes and LTs.
  • On blood vessels – Vasodilatation probably by the release of EDRF.
  • On visceral smooth muscle – causes contraction of intestinal and uterine smooth muscles and bronchoconstriction. 
  • On stomach – It is ulcerogenic and causes erosions and mucosal bleeding.

Pathophysiological role

  • PAF plays a role in inflammation, bronchial asthma, anaphylactic shock, haemostasis and thrombosis.
Last modified: Thursday, 19 May 2011, 5:09 PM