Acetyl glyceryl ether phosphorylcholine (platelet-activating factor) mediates heightened metabolic activity in macrophages. Studies on PGE, TXB2 and O2- production, spreading, and the influence of calmodulin-inhibitor W-7.

The phospholipid mediator AGEPC (acetyl glyceryl ether phosphorylcholine) was examined for its effects on guinea pig peritoneal macrophages. At a concentration of 10(-9)-10(-6) M, AGEPC evoked release of prostaglandin E (PGE) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) from albumin-elicited macrophages. It also triggered generation of O2- by Corynebacterium parvum-induced cells. Moreover, it caused augmented spreading of macrophages. The calmodulin antagonist W-7 attenuated AGEPC-mediated O2- production and cell spreading whereas prostanoid synthesis was enhanced. These novel actions of AGEPC on the major cellular component of the inflammatory process attest to its role as a potent mediator of immunoinflammatory responses.