Does the platelet-activating factor affect the antioxidant defense system? The possible role of hyperbaric oxygenation.

The platelet-activating factor (PAF) is an inflammatory mediator and it may exert some of its effects by reactive oxygen species (ROS). We investigated the effects of PAF and hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) on copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels in plasma and the intracellular antioxidant enzyme activities of rats. PAF administration caused a decrease in erythrocyte catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and in the plasma zinc level.

Effects of platelet-activating factor and hyperbaric oxygenation on antioxidant defense and duodenal contractility.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a phospholipid mediator with potent biological effects on organisms. Some investigators have previously postulated that PAF exerts its effects by producing oxygen free radicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PAF on intracellular antioxidant enzyme activities and on duodenal muscle contractility.