The role of platelet activating factor (PAF) in physiology and pathology of the central nervous system

Abstract This review describes the role of platelet activating factor (PAF) in the central nervous system injury. Cerebral ischaemia, traumatic injury of central nervous system, metabolic, toxic and degenerative neuropathy, and also the increase in Ca2+ concentration in the cell, are strong stimulators of PAF synthesis and its release from cell membranes. Neurons, glial and microglial cells, monocyte cell populations, macrophages and endothelial cells of blood vessels are the targets of platelet activating factor. The release of PAF leads to ischaemia of nervous tissue, acute traumatic or nontraumatic injuries, degenerative and metabolic nervous system disorders in adults. The use of PAF receptor antagonists prevents partially cell injury in central nervous system and leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells.