Pharmacological actions of Y-24180, a new specific antagonist of Platelet Activating Factor (PAF): II. Interactions with PAF and benzodiazepine receptors

The inhibitory effect of Y-24180, 4-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-[2-(4-isobutylphenyl)ethyl]-6,9-dimethyl-6H-thieno[3,2-f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]diazepine, on platelet activating factor (PAF)-induced platelet aggregation and the specific binding of ³H-PAF to platelets was compared with other thienodiazepine derivatives, WEB 2086 and etizolam. Y-24180 inhibited PAF-induced rabbit platelet aggregation in vitro (IC₅₀ 3.84 nM), but had little effect on adenosine diphosphate- or arachidonic acid-induced aggregation. WEB 2086 and etizolam also showed an inhibitory effect of PAF-induced aggregation (IC₅₀ values are 456 and 6730 nM, respectively). In PAF-induced human platelet aggregation, Y-24180 (IC₅₀ 0.84 nM) was more potent than WEB 2086 (IC₅₀ 4.21 nM) and etizolam (IC₅₀ 998 nM). Y-24180, WEB 2086 and etizolam displaced ³H-PAF binding from the washed-platelets of rabbits with an IC₅₀ value of 3.50, 9.35 and 29.5 nM, respective- ly. In rabbits, pretreatment with Y-24180 and WEB 2086 antagonized PAF-induced platelet aggregation dose-dependently. The significant inhibitory effect of Y-24180(1 mg/kg, p.o.) lasted 72 hr after a single dose oral administration. WEB 2086 (10 mg/kg, p.o.) also antagonized the ex vivo response induced by PAF 1 hr after administration, but no significant effect was observed 3 hr after administration. Y-24180 displaced ³H-diazepam binding from the synaptosomal membranes of rat cerebral cortex with a Ki value of 3.68 μ M. The affinity of Y-24180 for benzodiazepine(BZP) receptors was lower than those of WEB 2086 and etizolam and was about 1000 times lower than that for PAF receptors in platelets.     

Pharmacological actions of Y-24180: I. A potent and specific antagonist of platelet-activating factor

The ability of Y-24180, 4-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-[2-(4-isobutylphenyl)ethyl]-6,9-dimethyl-6H-thieno[3,2-f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a] [1,4]diazepine to inhibit platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced reactions was investigated. Y-24180 (0.0003–0.003 mg/kg, i.v.) dose-dependently inhibited PAF-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs, but even at a high dose of 10 mg/kg, i.v., it was either inactive or weakly active against the bronchoconstriction induced by histamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, arachidonic acid, bradykinin, or leukotriene D₄. Oral doses (0.003–0.1 mg/kg) of Y-24180 also prevented hemoconcentration due to PAF in a dosedependent manner and produced a parallel shift of the PAF dose-response curve. Y-24180 (0.0003–0.1 mg/kg, i.v.) and WEB 2086 (0.03–1 mg/kg, i.v.) dose-dependently reversed PAF-induced hypotension in anesthetized rats. In mice, PAF-induced lethality was inhibited by Y-24180 and WEB 2086 with ED₅₀ values of 0.022 and 1.42 mg/kg, p.o., and 0.023 and 0.12 mg/kg, i.v., respectively. This protective effect of Y-24180 given p.o. persisted for at least 6 hr. In actively sensitized mice lethal anaphylactic shock was prevented by oral doses of Y-24180 and WEB 2086 with ED₅₀ values of 0.095 and 0.69 mg/kg, respectively. These results suggested that Y-24180 is an extremely potent and specific PAF antagonist with a good duration of action.     

Pharmacological effects of oral E6123, a novel PAF antagonist, on biological changes induced by PAF inhalation in guinea pigs.

The effects of a newly synthesized PAF antagonist E6123, (S)-(+)-6-(2-chlorophenyl)-3-cyclopropanecarbonyl-8,11-dimethyl-2, 3,4,5- tetrahydro-8H-pyrido[4',3':4,5]thieno[3,2-f][1,2,4]triazolo [4,3-a][1,4]diazepine, on in vivo inhaled PAF-induced pulmonary changes were investigated. E6123 inhibited PAF inhalation-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs with an ED50 value (p.o.) of 1.3 micrograms/kg which was lower than those of other PAF-antagonists such as WEB2347 (ED50 = 26 micrograms/kg) and Y-24180 (ED50 = 12 micrograms/kg). E6123 significantly inhibited PAF inhalation-induced eosinophil infiltration into the bronchiole and trachea, and bronchial hyperreactivity in guinea pigs after oral administration at 1 and 10 micrograms/kg, respectively. E6123 inhibited the PAF-induced increase in intracellular free calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) in guinea pig eosinophils with an IC50 value of 14 nM. The present results suggest that E6123 may be beneficial for the treatment of asthma, in which PAF is assumed to be involved.     

The benzodiazepine receptor ligands RO 5-4864 and RO 15-1788 do not block the inhibition of PAF-induced platelet aggregation seen with the hetrazepine WEB2086

The hypothesis was tested that the hetrazepine WEB 2086 acts as an inhibitor of PAF-induced platelet aggregation via interaction with the platelet benzodiazepine receptor(BDZR). WEB 2086 is a potent inhibitor of rabbit platelet aggregation and ATP secretion induced by 370 nM PAF. The two BDZR ligands RO 5-4864 and RO 15-1788 (7-96 microM) are inactive as PAF antagonists. When platelets were pretreated with either BDZR ligand, and then exposed to various concentrations of WEB 2086, there was no alteration of the dose-response relationship of the hetrazepine on PAF-induced aggregation, as reflected by threshold concentration, ED50, or maximum inhibition seen with WEB 2086. Pretreatment of platelets with the BDZR ligands also failed to block the inhibitory action of WEB 2086 on PAF-induced ATP release. The data are consistent with the notion that WEB 2086 acts as a PAF antagonist through its action at a specific PAF receptor, and is dissociated from, and independent of, interaction with the benzodiazepine receptor.     

Inhibition of activation of human peripheral blood eosinophils by Y-24180, an antagonist to platelet-activating factor receptor.

We examined the effects of Y-24180, a potent and long-acting antagonist to platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor, on the PAF- or leukotriene B4 (LTB4)-induced activation of eosinophils using human peripheral blood in vitro. As activation markers, CD11b expression level and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1)-binding activity were analyzed by flow cytometry. Y-24180 significantly inhibited PAF-induced increase in the ratio of strongly positive cells for CD11b expression and sICAM-1 binding at 0.01 microM or more. WEB 2086, another PAF receptor antagonist, also inhibited the increase significantly at 1 microM or more. LTB4-induced increases in the ratio of strongly positive cells for CD11b expression and sICAM-1 binding were inhibited by Y-24180 at 1 microM, but not WEB 2086 up to 10 microM. These results indicate that Y-24180 inhibits the PAF- or LTB4-induced activation of eosinophils in human peripheral blood more potently than WEB 2086.     

Pulmonary vascular reactivity: effect of PAF and PAF antagonists.

We investigated the effects of two different platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonists, SRI 63-441 and WEB 2086, on PAF-, angiotensin II-, and hypoxia-induced vasoconstrictions in isolated rat lungs perfused with a physiological salt solution. Bolus injection of PAF (0.5 micrograms) increased pulmonary arterial and microvascular pressures and caused lung edema. Both SRI 63-441, a PAF-analogue antagonist, and WEB 2086, a thienotriazolodiazepine structurally unrelated to PAF, completely blocked PAF-induced vasoconstriction and lung edema at 10(-5) M. At a lower concentration (10(-6) M), WEB 2086 was more effective than SRI 63-441. WEB 2086 also blocked the pulmonary vasodilation induced by low-dose PAF (15 ng) in blood-perfused lungs preconstricted with hypoxia. SRI 63-441 and CV 3988 (another PAF analogue antagonist), but not WEB 2086, caused acute pulmonary vasoconstriction at 10(-5) M and severe lung edema at a higher concentration (10(-4) M). PAF-induced but not SRI- or CV-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction and edema were inhibited by WEB 2086. In addition, SRI 63-441 potentiated angiotensin II- and hypoxia-induced vasoconstrictions. This effect of SRI 63-441 is not due to PAF receptor blockade because 1) addition of PAF (1.6 nM) to the perfusate likewise potentiated angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction and 2) WEB 2086 did not cause a similar response. We conclude that both SRI 63-441 and WEB 2086 are effective inhibitors of PAF actions in the rat pulmonary circulation. However, antagonists with structures analogous to PAF (SRI 63-441 and CV 3988) can have significant pulmonary vasoactive side effects.     

Pharmacologic profile of BN 50739, a new PAF antagonist in vitro and in vivo

The effect of a new PAF antagonist BN 50739 was studied on PAF-induced [3H]-serotonin release from washed rabbit platelets in vitro and on PAF-induced hypotension in vivo. BN 50739 competitively inhibited PAF-induced [3H]-serotonin release from the platelets in a dose-dependent manner. In the presence of 4, 10 and 50 nM of BN 50739, the concentration of PAF inducing 50% maximal [3H]-serotonin release from the platelets (EC50) increased from 2.15 nM to 5.10, 45.10 and 900 nM, respectively. The IC50 of BN 50739 for PAF (10 nM) induced [3H]-serotonin release was 3.67 nM. Under the same experimental condition, the IC50s of BN 50726, BN 50730, BN 50741, WEB 2086, SRI 63-441 and BN 52021 were 5.40, 4.61, 6.88, 5.98, 40.90 nM and 14.90 microM, respectively. PAF-induced hypotension in conscious rats was also inhibited dose-dependently by i.p. pretreatment of BN 50739 (3 and 10 mg/kg). PAF-induced hypotension was diminished both in magnitude and duration in rats pretreated with BN 50739. These data taken together indicate that BN 50739 is a most potent PAF antagonist in vitro and in vivo.     

Triazolobenzodiazepines competitively inhibit the binding of platelet activating factor (PAF) to human platelets

PAF causes dose dependent platelet aggregation of human platelet rich plasma or gel filtered platelets (GFP). The benzodiazepines alprazolam and triazolam, but not diazepam (1-10 microM), inhibit PAF induced aggregation but have no effect on aggregation induced by other platelet agonists such as ADP, epinephrine and collagen. The IC50 for aggregation by PAF (4 nM) in GFP is 1 microM for both alprazolam and triazolam. The mechanism for this inhibition was explored by studying the binding of 3H-PAF(0.08 nM) to GFP in Tyrodes buffer containing albumin (0.35%), Mg++ (1mM) and Ca++ (0.5mM). GFP was incubated with different doses of the drug for 5 min prior to addition of 3H-PAF. Incubation was then carried out for 60 min at 25 degrees C to achieve binding equilibrium, as previously established. Alprazolam and triazolam, but not diazepam, caused competitive displacement of 3H-PAF from specific binding sites of GFP. The IC50 of alprazolam was 3.8 microM while that of triazolam was 0.82 microM. Lineweaver-Burk plots of 3H-PAF binding in the presence of inhibitor were also consistent with competitive inhibition. These results are consistent with the interpretation that the specific inhibition of PAF induced platelet aggregation by alprazolam and triazolam, respectively, is due to competitive inhibition of binding of PAF to its receptor.     

Inhibition of [3H]platelet activating factor (PAF) binding by Zn2+: a possible explanation for its specific PAF antiaggregating effects in human platelets

Zinc ions in the micromolar range exhibited a strong inhibitory activity toward platelet activating factor (PAF)-induced human washed platelet activation, if added prior to this lipid chemical mediator. The concentration of Zn2+ required for 50% inhibition of aggregation (IC50) was inversely proportional to the concentration of PAF present. The IC50 values (in microM) for Zn2+ were 8.8 +/- 3.9, 27 +/- 5.8, and 34 +/- 1.7 against 2, 5, and 10 nM PAF, respectively (n = 3-6). Zn2+ exhibited comparable inhibitory effects on [3H]serotonin secretion and the IC50 values (in microM) were 10 +/- 1.2, 18 +/- 3.5, and 35 +/- 0.0 against 2, 5, and 10 nM PAF, respectively (n = 3). Under the same experimental conditions, aggregation and serotonin secretion induced by ADP (5 microM), arachidonic acid (3.3 microM), or thrombin (0.05 U/ml) were not inhibited. Introduction of Zn2+ within 0-2 min after PAF addition not only blocked further platelet aggregation and [3H]serotonin secretion but also caused reversal of aggregation. Analysis of [3H]PAF binding to platelets showed that Zn2+ as well as unlabeled PAF prevented the specific binding of [3H]PAF. The inhibition of [3H]PAF specific binding was proportional to the concentration of Zn2+ and the IC50 value was 18 +/- 2 microM against 1 nM [3H]PAF (n = 3). Other cations, such as Cd2+, Cu2+, and La3+, were ineffective as inhibitors of PAF at concentrations where Zn2+ showed its maximal effects. However, Cd2+ and Cu2+ at high concentrations exhibited a significant inhibition of the aggregation induced by 10 nM PAF with IC50 values being five- and sevenfold higher, respectively, than the IC50 for Zn2+, and with the IC50 values for inhibition of binding of 1 nM [3H]PAF being 5 and 19 times higher, respectively, than the IC50 for Zn2+. The specific inhibition of PAF-induced platelet activation and PAF binding to platelets suggested strongly that Zn2+ interacted with the functional receptor site of PAF or at a contiguous site.     

Alpha-bulnesene, a novel PAF receptor antagonist isolated from Pogostemon cablin

Alpha-bulnesene is a sesquiterpenoid isolated from the water extract of Pogostemon cablin. It showed a potent and concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on platelet-activating factor (PAF) and arachidonic acid (AA) induced rabbit platelet aggregation. In a radioligand binding assay for the PAF receptor, alpha-bulnesene competitively inhibited [(3)H]PAF binding to the PAF receptor with an IC(50) value of 17.62+/-5.68microM. alpha-Bulnesene also dose-dependently inhibited PAF-induced intracellular Ca(2+) increase in fluo-3/AM-loaded platelets (IC(50) values of 19.62+/-1.32microM). Furthermore, alpha-bulnesene inhibited AA-induced thromboxane B(2) (TXB(2)) formation and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) formation. These results indicate that the inhibitory effect of alpha-bulnesene on platelet aggregation was due to a dual activity; specifically the chemical blocked PAF-induced intracellular signal transduction and interfered with cyclooxygenase activity, which resulted in a decrease in thromboxane formation. This study is the first to demonstrate that alpha-bulnesene is a PAF receptor antagonist as well as an anti-platelet aggregation agent.     

Effects of antiplatelet agents on platelet aggregation induced by platelet--activating factor (PAF) in human whole blood.

Impedance aggregometry was used to evaluate the potency of anti-platelet agents on Platelet Activating Factor (PAF)--induced platelet aggregation in citrated human whole blood. Drugs were tested for ability to inhibit maximum aggregation to PAF. Dose response curves were obtained and the concentration of drug producing 50% inhibition of maximum aggregation (ED50) determined. ED50's (microM) for specific PAF antagonists WEB 2086, Ro 19-3704, FR-900452, BN 52021, L-652,731, CV 3988, WEB 2118 and 48740 RP are: 0.39, 2.4, 4.7, 19.5, 21.0, 5.32, 161.0, 924.0, respectively. ED50's for non-specific PAF antagonists, diltiazem, propranolol, ketotifen, procaine HCL, and lidocaine HCL are: 38.0, 56.0, 250.0, 513.0 and 768.0, respectively. Ibuprofen was inactive at 2300 microM. Results are consistent with concept that there are specific receptors on platelets mediating PAF-induced aggregation in whole blood. Aggregation is inhibited potently by specific and competitive PAF receptor antagonists. Whole blood aggregometry may be a valid method for predicting in vivo activity of PAF antagonists.     

Characterization of platelet-activating factor-induced elevation of cytosolic free calcium concentration in eosinophils

In order to evaluate the role of calcium in the activation processes in eosinophils induced by platelet-activating factor (PAF), we investigated the changes in free cytoplasmatic Ca2+ concentration using fura-2. PAF causes a rapid and transitory rise of the intracellular free calcium ion concentration [( Ca2+]i) in purified guinea pig eosinophils of approx. 1000 nM above a basal level of 120.7 +/- 36.5 nM (n = 10). The effect was dose-related with a maximum rise at 1000 nM PAF and an EC50 of 17.4 nM and specifically inhibited by the PAF antagonist WEB 2086 with an IC50 of 95.5 nM. WEB 2086 did not affect either the leukotriene B4- or the fMet-Leu-Phe-induced elevation of [Ca2+]i. The response to PAF was dependent on external Ca2+ as it was significantly inhibited by EGTA (85.6 +/- 5.4%) and Ni2+ (95.8 +/- 2.1%) but not by the dihydropyridine antagonist nimodipine. We conclude that Ca2+ entry via receptor-operated Ca2+ channels may be involved in PAF-induced degranulation of eosinophils.     

Y-24180, an antagonist of platelet-activating factor, suppresses interleukin 5 production in cultured murine th(2)cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Interleukin (IL)-5 has been shown to play an essential role in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation. We investigated the effect of 4-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-[2-(4-isobutylphenyl)ethyl]-6, 9-dimethyl-6 H -thieno[3,2- f ][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3- a][1,4]diazepine (Y-24180), an antagonist of platelet-activating factor (PAF), on the production of IL-5 in cultured D10.G4.1 cells, a murine Th(2)clone, and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). As a result, Y-24180 was found to suppress both the mRNA expression of IL-5 and the subsequent secretion of this cytokine in antigen-stimulated D10.G4.1 cells. Y-24180 also suppressed the production of IL-4, another Th(2)type cytokine, at the level of mRNA expression, however, it hardly affected the mRNA expression for IL-6 or IL-10, thus indicating it to have a selective action against IL-5 and IL-4. The suppressive effect of Y-24180 on the secretion of IL-5 by human PBMC was more potent than that of WEB2086, which is another PAF-antagonist. These results suggest that Y-24180 suppresses IL-5 production through a common pathway which also affects the production of IL-4, even though the mechanism remains to be elucidated as to whether the PAF-antagonistic actions are involved or not.     

Modulating effects of adenosine on the process of human platelet activation]

The inhibitory effect of adenosine on aggregation of human platelets activated by platelet activating factor (PAF), ADP and serotonin (5-HT) were examined using native platelets from blood of volunteers. Platelet aggregation was determined by Born's method. Effective adenosine concentrations (IC50) which had inhibited platelet aggregation were found to be 0.63 +/- 0.11, 1.47 +/- 0.31 and 0.64 +/- 0.18 microM, respectively. It was shown that 10 microM adenosine inhibited PAF-induced platelet aggregation completely. The same adenosine concentration blocked ADP- and 5-HT-induced aggregation only partially. Adenosine is physiological inhibitor of human platelet aggregation in administration of PAF, ADP and 5-HT. Specific characteristics of adenosine modulating effect on these ligands was elicited.     

Characterization of PAF receptors on human neutrophils using the specific antagonist, WEB 2086. Correlation between receptor binding and function

The antagonism of PAF effects by WEB 2086 and the receptor binding of [3H]WEB 2086 were investigated in isolated human neutrophils. WEB 2086 inhibited PAF-induced beta-glucuronidase release and [3H]WEB 2086 bound specifically to high-affinity sites on the cells. Close concordance between affinity constants for WEB 2086 from functional and radioligand-binding studies suggests that WEB 2086 interacts with the neutrophil PAF receptors and that [3H]WEB 2086 may be a useful ligand in investigation of these receptors.     

Pharmacologic characterization of the rabbit neutrophil receptor for platelet-activating factor

The characteristics of receptors for platelet-activating factor (PAF) on rabbit neutrophils are investigated in this report. The presence of PAF-specific binding to rabbit neutrophils was confirmed using radiolabeled ligand binding assays and a rabbit peritoneal neutrophil membrane preparation. Binding of PAF to the neutrophil membranes was reversible and reached equilibrium within 30 min. Scatchard analysis of PAF-specific binding to the rabbit neutrophil membranes revealed a dissociation constant (Kd) for PAF of 0.41 +/- 0.045 nM and a Bmax of 0.32 +/- 0.11 pmol of PAF receptor/mg of protein. The order of potencies of PAF receptor antagonists to inhibit the binding of 3H-PAF to rabbit peritoneal neutrophil membranes was determined. For the competition assays, 100 micrograms of neutrophil or platelet membrane protein, 0.18 nM 3H-PAF, and varying amounts of PAF antagonist were incubated at room temperature for 1 hr. PAF receptor antagonists tested were ONO-6240, brotizolam, kadsurenone, WEB-2086, L-652-731, BN-52021, CV-3988, triazolam, alprazolam, and verapamil. The orders of potencies of these PAF receptor antagonists were similar for inhibition of 3H-PAF binding to rabbit peritoneal neutrophil and platelet membranes (correlation coefficient, r = 0.97). PAF had a significantly higher affinity for rabbit neutrophil membranes (Kd = 0.41 +/- 0.045 nM), as compared with its affinity for rabbit platelet membranes (Kd = 0.87 +/- 0.092 nM). In addition, sodium was found to inhibit 3H-PAF specific binding to rabbit platelet membranes and not to affect 3H-PAF binding to neutrophil membranes. These data indicate that, although PAF receptors on rabbit platelets and neutrophils exhibit similar orders of potencies of PAF receptor antagonists to inhibit the binding of 3H-PAF, the disparity in Kd of PAF for the receptors and the effect of NaCl on the binding of 3H-PAF reveal subtle differences between the cell types.     

CV-3988 - a specific antagonist of platelet activating factor (PAF)

CV-3988, rac-3-(N-n-octadecylcarbamoyloxy)-2-methoxypropyl 2-thiazolioethyl phosphate was shown to be a specific inhibitor of platelet activating factor (PAF). This compound in concentrations of 3 x 10(-6) to 3 x 10(-5)M inhibited aggregation of rabbit platelets induced by PAF (3 x 10(-8)M), while it had no effect on the aggregation induced by arachidonic acid, ADP, collagen or A-23187. CV-3988 alone even at a concentration of 10(-3)M had no effect on platelet aggregation. The inhibitory action of CV-3988 on the PAF-induced aggregation was independent of the formation of micelles. The PAF (0.1 to 1.0 micrograms/kg, i.v.)-induced hypotension in anesthetized rats was also inhibited dose-dependently by the i.v. administration of CV-3988 (1 and 10 mg/kg), while the hypotensive actions induced by the i.v. administration of acetylcholine (1 micrograms/kg), arachidonic acid (1 mg/kg), bradykinin (10 micrograms/kg), isoproterenol (1 microgram/kg) and histamine (100 micrograms/kg) were not altered by CV-3988 (10 mg/kg, i.v.). All these findings indicate that CV-3988 specifically inhibits the action of PAF in vitro and in vivo. This is the first report of a PAF antagonist which can specifically inhibit the PAF-induced hypotension as well as the PAF-induced platelet aggregation.     

Effects of YM264, a novel PAF antagonist, on puromycin aminonucleoside-induced nephropathy in the rat

We investigated the effects of YM264, WEB2086, methylprednisolone and ticlopidine on puromycin-induced nephropathy in the rat. Puromycin produces marked proteinuria, hypercholesterolemia, and hypoalbuminemia. The structurally differing PAF antagonists YM264 and WEB2086 inhibited proteinuria and improved hypercholesterolemia and hypoalbuminemia. Methylprednisolone also exhibited a beneficial effect on these variables. However, ticlopidine, a platelet inhibitor, showed no inhibitory effect on nephropathy. These results indicate that PAF may play a major role in puromycin-induced nephropathy in the rat, and that PAF antagonists may prove of therapeutic value in the treatment of nephropathy in humans.     

Effects of platelet activating factor antagonists on arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation and TXA2 formation

The effects of the PAF receptor antagonists WEB 2086, WEB 2170, BN 50739 and BN 52021 on AA-induced platelet aggregation (PA) and TXA2 formation were investigated in comparison with the TXA2 synthetase inhibitor HOE 944 and the TXA2 receptor antagonist BM 13.177. All PAF antagonists tested were weak inhibitors of AA-induced PA and TXA2 formation (IC50 values between 80 and 2,737 mumol/l). HOE 944 was effective in concentrations 2-3 orders of magnitude lower than PAF antagonists in inhibiting TXA2 generation. These results imply that the inhibition of TXA2 formation is of minor relevance for the actions of the investigated PAF antagonists in AA-induced PA.     

Evidence for two platelet activating factor receptors on eosinophils: dissociation between PAF-induced intracellular calcium mobilization degranulation and superoxides anion generation in eosinophils

We have compared platelet activating factor (PAF)-induced eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) release and intracellular calcium mobilization with superoxide anion (.O2-) generation from guinea pig eosinophils. EPO release and Ca2+ mobilization occurred at lower concentrations of PAF (EC50 values of 1.3 nM and 11.5 nM, respectively) while .O2- production was observed at higher concentrations (EC50 of 31.7 microM). Receptor characterization with the competitive PAF antagonist, WEB 2086, gave pA2 values of 8.5 and 8.3 for EPO enzyme release and rise in [Ca2+]i, respectively, and 5.8 for the .O2- production. In addition, PAF-induced degranulation and elevation of [Ca2+]i were dependent on extracellular Ca2+ whereas PAF-stimulated .O2- generation was dependent on the presence of extracellular Mg2+ ions. These results suggest the existence either of two subtypes of the PAF receptor or a single receptor that can exist in one of two affinity states on guinea pig eosinophils.