PLoS ONE (Aug 2009)

The novel role of platelet-activating factor in protecting mice against lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxic shock.

  • Young-Il Jeong,
  • In Duk Jung,
  • Chang-Min Lee,
  • Jeong Hyun Chang,
  • Sung Hak Chun,
  • Kyung Tae Noh,
  • Soo Kyung Jeong,
  • Yong Kyoo Shin,
  • Won Suk Lee,
  • Mi Sun Kang,
  • Sang-Yull Lee,
  • Jae-Dong Lee,
  • Yeong-Min Park

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0006503
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 8
p. e6503

Abstract

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BACKGROUND:Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been long believed to be associated with many pathophysiological processes during septic shock. Here we present novel activities for PAF in protecting mice against LPS-mediated endotoxic shock. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:In vivo PAF treatment immediately after LPS challenge markedly improved the survival rate against mortality from endotoxic shock. Administration of PAF prominently attenuated LPS-induced organ injury, including profound hypotension, excessive polymorphonuclear neutrophil infiltration, and severe multiple organ failure. In addition, PAF treatment protects against LPS-induced lymphocytes apoptosis. These protective effects of PAF was correlated with significantly decreases in the production of the inflammatory mediators such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-12, and IFN-gamma, while increasing production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS:Taken together, these results suggest that PAF may protect mice against endotoxic shock via a complex mechanism involving modulation of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators.