Inhibition of platelet activating factor by ajmaline in platelets: in vitro and in vivo studies.

The in vitro and in vivo effects of ajmaline and its derivatives on platelet aggregation and platelet-activating factor (PAF) induced death in rabbits was studied. Ajmalinc and acetyl ajmaline selectively inhibited PAF-induced aggregation in a concentration related manner. Weak or no inhibition of aggregation was observed when ADP, collagen or arachidonic acid were used as aggregating agents. Similarly ajmaline or acetyl ajmaline also inhibited the lethal effects of PAF in the rabbit. PAF (8-11 microg/kg i.v.) caused sudden death in rabbits due to platelet aggregation and cardiac failure. Pretreatment of rabbits with ajmaline (50 mg/kg i.p.) protected conscious rabbits from PAF (11 microg/kg i.v.)-induced death. Since PAF is a powerful inducer of platelet aggregation via stimulation of specific PAF membrane receptors, our data is suggestive that ajmaline (an anti-arrhythmic agent) could emerge as a new class of PAF antagonists.