A Role for Platelet-Activating Factor in Anaphylaxis

Findings suggest new avenues for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of severe anaphylactic responses.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent proinflammatory phospholipid that is synthesized by mast cells and other cell types. In experimental animal models, it causes hypotension and bronchoconstriction and has been shown to be a key participant in immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Investigators assessed its role — and that of PAF acetylhydrolase, the enzyme that inactivates it — in anaphylactic reactions in humans.

First, they measured serum PAF and PAF acetylhydrolase activity in 23 controls and in 41 patients who presented to the emergency department with anaphylaxis of varying degrees of severity in reaction to foods, medications, insect bites, or unknown causes. Patients with anaphylaxis had significantly higher levels than cont…

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)