INHALATION OF ENDOTOXIN STIMULATES ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGE PRODUCTION OF PLATELET-ACTIVATING-FACTOR

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Abstract
The production of PAF was studied in alveolar macrophages (AM) and neutrophils recovered by bronchial lavage from guinea-pigs to aerosolized bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS). The amount of cell-associated PAF was estimated by measuring serotonin release from rabbit platelets. An increased and dose-related production was found in AM for as long as 2 h after a 40-min exposure. No production was detectable after 4 h. Prolonging the exposure did not prolong the response. When a second exposure was given, no PAF could be detected until the time interval between the 2 exposures was 72 h. The amount of neutrophils in lung lavage fluid was elevated about 100 times at 4 h after the exposure, but only a minor PAF production was found in these cells. In view of the role of LPS-contaminated dusts for the development of human lung disease, particularly airway constriction, the role of PAF needs to be further investigated.