OBSTRUCTIVE JAUNDICE AND PLATELET ACTIVATING FACTOR (PAF)

Abstract

Platelet Activating Factor (PAF), is an unique phospholipid with a broad range of biological activities that may be relevant in the development of Inflammatory reactions. PAF has been suspected to play an important role in liver pathophysiology. in this study, in experimental jaundice model, PAF levels were measured in liver tissue and plasma and possible effect of mannitol on this mediator. The experimental model consisted of 7 rats of control group (CG), 7 rats of sham operation (SG), and 7 rats of obstructive jaundice created by ligating common bile duct, The last group was mannitol treated jaundiced group (MJG) and all animals in this group received 20% mannitol in dose of 2 mi/day, intraperitoneally, following common bile duct ligation. A week later all animals were sacrificed and collected plasma and liver tissue samples. PAF levels were measured by radioimmunoassay technique. Liver tissue PAF levels (pg/mg tissue protein) were 72 ± 18 in the CG, 183 ± 51 in JG,84±17 in SG, and 124 ±36 in MJG. Plasma levels were 460 ± 13,1600 ±40,560 ± 19, and 1200 ±23 in same order respectively. in both sample types, MJG and JG values are significantly different from CG and SG as well. MJG levels are also different from JG. These results showed that plasma and liver tissue PAF levels are increased in experimental obstructive jaundice; and activation of this mediator contribute to the ongoing liver injury. Mannitol may improve or lesser this damage.