Abstract
Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been implicated as an important mediator of the lethal effect of endotoxin. To establish the acute toxicity of PAF, we infused 2.5 μg/kg of PAF into endotoxin-sensitive mice (C3H/HeN) via the tail vein over 5 minutes.
At necropsy, the heart revealed none of the changes in four out of five mice. Multiple hyaline thrombi in the lungs were observed in all animals. This histopathologic finding was the most characteristics in endotoxin sensitive mice treated with PAF.
It was almost the same findings as endotoxin shock. The liver was observed congestion, focal necrosis, central vein dilatation, hyaline thrombi and fatty metamorphosis. The renal medulla showed congestion but the renal cortex and renal glomeruli were intact. The small intestine was also intact.
