Role of endogenous platelet-activating factor in caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in rats: protective effects of a PAF-antagonist.

The role of endogenous platelet-activating factor (PAF) in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis was investigated by determining whether CV-6209, a selective PAF antagonist, confers protection against caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in rats. Continuous intravenous infusion of caerulein (5 micrograms/kg x h) induced time-dependent increase in serum pancreatic enzymes, pancreatic weight, and protein content of the pancreas, and produced histologic evidence of acute pancreatitis. Pretreatment with CV-6209 (1 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the elevation of serum pancreatic enzymes, pancreatic weight, and protein content of the pancreas. Caerulein-induced tissue oedema and recruitment of leucocytic cells were markedly ameliorated with CV-6209. Platelet-activating factor may be released endogenously and may play a role during acute pancreatitis.