Human neutrophil platelet-activating factor: molecular heterogeneity in unstimulated and ionophore-stimulated cells.

The molecular heterogeneity of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in resting and ionophore (A23187) -stimulated human neutrophils was measured by a very sensitive gas chromatography-negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometric method. The molecular species compositions of PAF, which are due to variations in the 1-O-alkyl chain length, were significantly different between resting and ionophore-stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The major species of PAF produced by unstimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes were 16:0, 17:0, 18:1 and 18:0, representing 55, 14, 8 and 10%, respectively, of the total PAF; 16:0 was the predominant PAF (74%) in A23187-stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The PAF molecular species from unstimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes was similar to compositions from those of the precursor 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, whereas those from the ionophore-stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes differed from the precursor 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, thus indicating a very high degree of substrate selectivity for PAF synthesis. Although the physiological implications of the variations in PAF composition are not known, these studies indicate that the PAF produced by resting polymorphonuclear leukocytes are significantly different from those produced in response to ionophore.

Rat platelet arachidonate metabolism in the presence of Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+: studies using intact platelets and semi-purified phospholipase A2.

To document further the involvement of external Ca2+ in the platelet-induced activation process, we have studied the arachidonate metabolism of intact washed rat platelets in the presence of different concentrations of Ca2+, Sr2+ or Ba2+. The thrombin-induced mobilization of radiolabeled arachidonate preincorporated into platelet phospholipids was followed as well as the subsequent formation of labeled cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase products. Results indicate that upon thrombin stimulation (0.2 U/ml), the release of endogenous arachidonate and the formation of its metabolites are reduced by 50-90% only by omission of Ca2+ as compared to 1 mM Ca2+ in the suspending medium. At higher Ca2+ concentrations (5 mM), the arachidonate mobilization and metabolite formation are inhibited and the data are thus close to those obtained in the absence of Ca2+. In the presence of Sr2+ or Ba2+, the results indicate that these cations can substitute for Ca2+. As for Ca2+, an optimum concentration is found for Sr2+ and Ba2+ (3-5 mM), and higher concentrations inhibit the metabolism of arachidonic acid. As the above data might be compatible with the possible entry of Sr2+ and Ba2+ into platelets upon stimulation, we also studied the activity of a semi-purified preparation of phospholipase A2 from rat platelets. This activity was assayed (pH 9.2) using heat-denatured [3H]arachidonate-prelabeled phospholipids as substrate. The results show that this phospholipase A2 activity was strongly Ca2+-dependent. In addition, we found that unlike Mg2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+ are able to greatly enhance this activity. Relative efficiency (Vmax) was in the order Ca2+ greater than Sr2+ greater than Ba2+. Taken together, these findings suggest that external Ca2+ may play a major role in the regulation of rat platelet activity. Our interpretation is in line with the view that Sr2+ or Ba2+ could enter the platelet through a mechanism common to Ca2+ (a Ca2+ channel). Although direct evidence is awaited from the results of further studies which are in progress, it can reasonably be considered that Sr2+ or Ba2+ might cause platelet-induced activation mimicking a rise in the cytosolic Ca2+ and subsequent activation of Ca2+-dependent enzymes.

Preformed PAF-acether and lyso PAF-acether are bound to blood lipoproteins.

PAF-acether (PAF) is a newly formed mediator not normally present in circulating blood. A compound exhibiting all of its biological characteristics but coeluting with phosphatidylcholine (PC) in high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was unveiled ('peak X') in normal human plasma. A second HPLC run of peak X HPLC fractions revealed the presence of PAF itself with concomitant disappearance of peak X. Beside PAF, immunoreactive apolipoproteins A-I and E were found in peak X. Also lipoproteins (Ls) purified using either ultracentrifugation or immunoaffinity chromatography yielded peak X and, in a second HPLC run, authentic PAF. L-free plasma was devoid of peak X. Finally, after preincubation with plasma, labeled PAF was found associated with Ls. Thus in human blood preformed PAF is bound in high amounts to Ls, a result of interest given the role of Ls and platelets in vascular diseases and the present knowledge on PAF biosynthesis.

Formation of diacyl- and alkylacylphosphatidylcholine by the membranes of human platelets.

We have investigated the distribution and fatty acid preference of two acyl-CoA transferase activities in a human platelet mixed membrane fraction and in well-characterised surface and intracellular membrane subfractions prepared from it by high-voltage free-flow electrophoresis. One transferase inserts long-chain unsaturated fatty acids into 1-acyllysophosphatidylcholine (1-acyl-LPC) and the other into lyso-platelet-activating factor (LPAF). Both transferase activities were approx. 4-fold enriched in the intracellular membranes with respect to their specific activities in the mixed membranes. The surface membrane activities were correspondingly depleted. Using 1-acyl-LPC as the acceptor, all the intracellular membrane preparations showed transferase preference for the CoA ester of 8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid. In contrast when LPAF was the acceptor the CoA esters of linoleic and arachidonic acid were the preferred donors.

Effects of inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism on Paf-induced gastric mucosal necrosis and haemoconcentration.

The effects of several inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism on gastric necrosis, hypotension, haemoconcentration, leukopenia and plasma exudation induced by platelet-activating factor (Paf) were studied in the rat. A 10 min intravenous infusion of Paf (100 ng kg-1 min-1) caused extensive gastric damage and a marked fall in systemic blood pressure which had not recovered to basal levels 30 min after the infusion had been terminated. Paf also caused significant haemoconcentration, plasma exudation and transient leukopenia. Pretreatment with dexamethasone (0.2 or 2 mg kg-1 s.c.) or prednisolone (20 mg kg-1 s.c.) two hours before Paf significantly reduced the gastric damage and accelerated the recovery of blood pressure after the Paf infusion. Likewise, BW755C (50 mg kg-1 p.o.) significantly reduced the gastric damage. Acute pretreatment with dexamethasone (2 mg kg-1 i.v.) 15 min before Paf, or with indomethacin (5 mg kg-1 s.c.), acetylsalicylic acid (10 mg kg-1 i.v.) or 1-benzylimidazole (50 mg kg-1 s.c.) did not significantly affect the gastric damage induced by Paf. The Paf-induced haemoconcentration and plasma exudation were significantly reduced by pretreatment with prednisolone (20 mg kg-1 s.c.) or BW755C (50 mg kg-1 p.o.), while Paf-induced leukopenia was unaffected by either drug. These studies indicate that cyclo-oxygenase products of arachidonic acid are unlikely to contribute significantly to the gastric damage or the prolonged hypotension induced by Paf. The ability of corticosteroids and BW755C to reduce the gastric damage, haemoconcentration and plasma exudation suggests that lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid may contribute to these actions of Paf.

Mast cell mediators in the blood of patients with asthma.

Mast cell activation occurs in allergic asthma and may play a role in a variety of nonallergic asthmatic states. The defined mast cell constituent histamine has been identified in blood of antigen-sensitive challenged asthma patients, while other mediators, whose cell of origin is not fully defined, accompany this amine in blood (Table 1). Due to technical difficulty in accurate assessment, the rapid metabolism of various constituents, and the need for biologic rather than chemical assay of some mediators, it is not yet possible to assess blood constituents for the unequivocal attribution of asthma to activation of a particular cell type. Likewise, the usefulness of blood studies in the prediction of the course of asthma or as serial measurements to define the severity of asthma remains limited. However, it is only with analysis of the appropriate biologic fluids, blood and/or bronchoalveolar lavage materials, that it will be possible to define which potential mediators are, in fact, present and active in asthma. Until such analysis is completed, it is not possible to assign a function in this disease to the numerous potent inflammatory mediators known to be active in in vitro or in vivo models of asthma.

Metabolism of 1-alkyl-2-acyl-GPC in human platelets in response to stimulation by thrombin.

Washed human platelets were incubated with radioactive 1-[3H]alkyl-2-hydroxyglycero-3-phosphocholine (lyso-PAF) at 37 degrees C. [3H]lyso-PAF was converted by platelets into [3H]alkylacyl-GPC which was incorporated. Incorporation of radioactivity was time dependent and reached a maximum of 57 percent in one h. This formation and incorporation of [3H]alkylacyl-GPC was inhibited (50%) by extracellular calcium (1.3 mM). Labeled platelets were treated for 5 min with either thrombin (2.5 U/ml) or saline solution. While there was no change in the saline control, thrombin induced a reduction in the content of [3H]alkylacyl-GPC, accompanied by an increase in [3H]lyso-PAF presumably by stimulation of phospholipase A2. There was no apparent increase in radioactivity comigrating with PAF. This was probably due to the overwhelming dilution of the radioactive alkylacyl-GPC by the endogenous nonradioactive compound (ratio-1/3200). These studies suggest that human platelets can take up lyso-PAF and acylate it to alkylacyl-GPC which is susceptible to phospholipase A2 activity.

Dietary fish oils reduce plasma levels of platelet activating factor precursor (lyso-PAF) in rats.

The object of this study was to develop an assay for platelet activating factor (PAF) in rat plasma, and to utilise this to determine the effects of dietary fish oil on PAF in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. Measurement of platelet activating factor in blood plasma has proved difficult because of its rapid hydrolysis in vivo to lyso PAF. We describe here a method based on the prior acetylation of lyso PAF extracted from plasma to PAF before bioassay using 14C-serotonin labelled platelets. The active material found in acetylated plasma extracts was characterized as PAF by its chromatographic mobility, the action of phospholipases A2, C and D and by cross-desensitization studies with rabbit platelets. Rats fed dietary fish oil ('max EPA') had significantly decreased plasma lyso-PAF levels compared to control animals fed hydrogenated coconut oil (HCO). Serum thromboxane B2 (TXB2) levels were also significantly lower in animals fed the 'max EPA' diet. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) had significantly lower plasma lyso-PAF levels than their normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) controls maintained on the same diets. It is proposed that dietary alterations in PAF synthesis may influence platelet behaviour in addition to the well described effects of dietary fish oil on the proaggregatory prostanoid TXA2. Rat strain differences in lyso-PAF synthesis occur, but are unlikely to be related to the maintenance of hypertension in SHR.

Effects of the platelet-activating factor antagonist BN 52021 on the hemodynamics of rats with experimental cirrhosis of the liver.

Previous studies from this laboratory have shown that rats with experimental cirrhosis of the liver induced by the combined administration of oral phenobarbital and inhaled carbon tetrachloride show an hyperdynamic status with enhanced cardiac output (CO), and decreased mean arterial pressure (MAP) and peripheral vascular resistance (PVR). Cirrhotic rats also showed an increased vascular permeability. All these phenomena are similar to some of the known effects of the systemic infusion of low doses of synthetic platelet-activating factor into the systemic circulation of normal rats. The measurement of the levels of platelet-activating factor in samples of blood demonstrated significantly higher levels in cirrhotic (2.65 +/- 0.39; n = 10) than in control rats (1.50 +/- 0.57 ng/ml; n = 10; p less than 0.05). The hemodynamic changes induced by the intravenous injection of the platelet-activating factor receptor antagonist BN 52021 (5 mg/kg body weight) have been measured in 10 control and 10 cirrhotic male Wistar rats, using a radioactive microsphere technique. BN 52021 induced no significant hemodynamic changes in control animals. However, in cirrhotic animals it induced a significant decrease in CO with increase in PVR. MAP increased slightly but not significantly. From these data it can be deduced that platelet-activating factor plays a role in the hemodynamic derangement shown by cirrhotic rats and that these derangement can be reversed by BN 52021, a highly selective antagonist of the platelet-activating factor receptor.

Lack of correlation between cytotoxicity of agonists and antagonists of platelet activating factor [paf-acether] in neoplastic cells and modulation of [3H]-paf-acether binding to platelets from humans in vitro.

The 3 ether-lipids ET-18-OCH3, SRI 63-154 and paf-acether, the TLP BM 41.440, the ester-linked 2-LPC and CV-3988, were tested for cytostatic/antiproliferative [3H]-thymidine uptake) and cytotoxic (trypan blue dye exclusion, HTCA) activity in 11 neoplastic human cell lines (U 698-M, Nall-1, Su-DHL-4, RPMI 8226, K 562-4, Li-A, HTB-47, HTB-38, CCL218, 85 HG-59, 85 HG-63) and 1 ALL in vitro. 2-LPC and paf-acether showed either no, or only minor, CV-3988 varying activity. There were no significant differences in the activity of ET-18-OCH3, SRI63-154 and BM 41.440, which showed IC50- and LC50-values of less than or equal to 10 micrograms/ml after incubation periods greater than or equal to 48 hours with or during continuous exposure to the cells. The latter three compounds were then tested for interaction with [3H]-paf-acether binding to intact human platelets: ET-18-OCH3 and SRI63-154 reduced [3H]-paf-acether binding in a time-dependent manner. BM 41.440 did not show this interaction. Thus, since the in vitro cytotoxicity of these lipids did not correlate with their modulation of [3H]-paf-acether binding to human platelets, it was concluded that cytotoxicity of ether-lipids is not mediated by specific paf-acether binding sites similar to those present on human platelets. This finding is important for the future design of antineoplastic lipids.

PAF of biological fluids in disease: IV. Levels in blood in allergic reactions induced by drugs.

In allergic reactions induced by drugs we detected elevated platelet activating factor (PAF) bioactivity in blood and we isolated a substance with activity and chemical characteristics similar to AGEPC (semisynthetic PAF, beef-heart derived PAF). The levels of the circulating substance were about ten times higher than the ones detected in normal subjects.

Capillary gas chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry of paf-acether and analogs: absence of 1-O-alkyl-2-propionyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine in human polymorphonuclear neutrophils.

Fast atom bombardment-tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify molecular species of paf-acether (paf) produced by human polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Using this biological material, normal phase high performance liquid chromatography was necessary prior to the fast atom bombardment-tandem mass spectrometry step. Gas liquid chromatography/electron capture detection after hydrolysis with phospholipase C and conversion to heptafluorobutyrate derivatives was used to confirm the results. The results indicated the presence of mainly 1-O-hexadecyl/octadecyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, acyl analogs of paf and only trace amounts of other alkyl analogs of paf. We did not detect the 2-propionyl analog of paf. Moreover, supplementation of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils with sodium propionate did not result in formation of the 2-propionyl analog of paf.

1-O-alkyl-linked phosphoglycerides of human platelets: distribution of arachidonate and other acyl residues in the ether-linked and diacyl species.

In this study, the 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine content of human platelets was determined. The distribution of arachidonate among the 1,2-diacyl, 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl, and 1-O-alk-l'-enyl-2-acyl classes of choline- and ethanolamine-containing phosphoglycerides was also assessed. The major platelet phospholipids were choline-containing phosphoglycerides (38%), ethanolamine-containing phosphoglycerides (25%) and sphingomyelin (18%), with smaller amounts of phosphatidylserine (11%) and phosphatidylinositol (4%). In addition to the diacyl class, the choline-linked fraction was found to contain both 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl (10%) and 1-O-alk-l'-enyl-2-acyl (9%) species. The ethanolamine-linked fraction, on the other hand, had an elevated level of the 1-O-alk-1'-enyl-2-acyl (60%) species and a small amount of the 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl component (4%). The major fatty acyl residues found in all classes of the choline and ethanolamine phospholipids were 16:0, 18:0, 18:1 (delta 9), 18:2(n-6) and 20:4(n-6). The 1-O-alkyl and 1-O-alk-1'-enyl fraction of the ethanolamine-linked phospholipids also contained substantial amounts of 22:5(n-3) and 22:6(n-3) acyl chains. Arachidonate comprised 44% of the acyl residues in the sn-2 position of 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. Corresponding values for the diacyl and 1-O-alk-1'-enyl-2-acyl species were 23% and 25%, respectively, based on all 20:4(n-6) being linked to the sn-2 position of all classes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Conversion of 3H-PAF acether by rabbit platelets is independent from aggregation: evidences for a novel metabolite.

3H-PAF-acether (Alkyl-[1', 2'-3H]- 2-acetyl-sn-glyceryl-3-phosphorylcholine) was time-dependently transformed by plasma-free rabbit platelets into an unknown product, "PX", which was distinct from lyso-PAF-acether. This effect was specific for platelets since plasma only converted 3H-PAF-acether into lyso-3H-PAF-acether and platelets were not effective in metabolizing lyso-3H-PAF-acether. Platelet aggregation did not interfere with the formation of "PX". The latter is a novel platelet metabolite of PAF-acether with as yet unknown biological properties.

Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and platelet-activating factor in shock.

Three major lines of evidence support a role of eicosanoids and PAF in shock. Formation of each of the cyclooxygenase metabolites of arachidonate is enhanced at some point during the shock; these metabolites include PGE2, PGF2 alpha, PGI2, and TXA2. Enhanced formation of 5-HETE and the cysteinyl-LTs provides evidence for activation of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonate metabolism, and preliminary biochemical evidence suggests that formation of PAF in anaphylactic and endotoxic shock is also enhanced. Second, TXA2, cysteinyl-leukotrienes, and, to an even greater extent, PAF are able to produce shock and death in intact animals. Third, pharmacological studies show that selective antagonists or synthesis inhibitors modify the course of the shock. While any of these lines of evidence may not by itself provide proof for a cause-effect relationship, the data taken together strongly suggest that vasoactive lipids might be involved in fundamental processes in the pathophysiology of shock. However, the role of vasoactive lipids might vary in different shock paradigms, change at various time points during the evolution of the shock, and depend on the species studied. Moreover, while the majority of the reports tend to focus on a specific substance, the metabolism of all of the eicosanoids mentioned, as well as PAF and probably other arachidonate metabolites (e.g. 15-lipoxygenase products such as lipoxins), changes during shock states. This fact probably causes most of the discrepancies in studies using specific antagonists or synthesis inhibitors to modify the state of shock. Thus, while blockade of one mediator might provide some protection, it might not be sufficient to halt or reverse the main course of the pathophysiological process. For example, the increase in vascular permeability, a fundamental phenomenon in trauma, anaphylaxis, or endotoxemia, might be mediated by PAF, LTs, PGs, peptides (e.g. kinins, substance P, CGRP) and amines (e.g. histamine in some species). Attempting to reverse such a complex phenomenon by blocking one specific factor might not be productive unless the specific substance played a key role in generation of the other factors. It seems, however, that while interactions between PGs, LTs, and PAF do occur (31, 32, 70), none of the shock states are crucially dependent on one class of the vasoactive lipids. Therefore, the therapeutic strategy should be based on multiple sites of action, either by drug combinations or multiple actions of a specific drug.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Early embryonal signals]. / Frühe embryonale Signale.

As early pregnancy signals are known up to now: early pregnancy factor (EPF), early pregnancy associated protein (EPAP), early pregnancy associated thrombocytopenia (EPAT), platelet activating factor (PAF) and the so-called amplified pregnancy signals. Clinical relevance in the near future may obtain EPF estimations for diagnosis of early pregnancy after sterility therapy and for monitoring of the first trimester of pregnancy.

Paf-acether formation and arachidonic acid freeing from platelet ether-linked glyceryl-phosphorylcholine.

Ether-linked glyceryl-phosphorylcholines (GPC) are potential precursors for paf-acether biosynthesis. We show that such phospholipids are present in rabbit platelets in sufficient amounts to insure lyso paf-acether and paf-acether formation. Indeed, upon stimulation, platelets formed lyso paf-acether and paf-acether in amounts representing 10% and 0.2% of the total amounts of ether-linked GPC. Following preincubation with [3H]paf-acether, ether-linked GPC labelled at position 1 of the glycerol were detected in platelets. They were hydrolysed, and gave birth to lyso paf-acether upon platelet activation. Platelet ether-linked GPC labelled at position 2 with [3H]arachidonic acid (AA) were also hydrolyzed under the same experimental conditions. These data indicate that in rabbit platelets these phospholipids are precursors for paf-acether and AA, two mediators of platelet activation.

Increased aortic PGI2 and plasma lyso-PAF in the unclipped one-kidney hypertensive rat.

Previous studies have implicated vasodilatory prostaglandins (PGs) in the reversal of hypertension following unclipping in the one-kidney, one-clip (1K,1C) hypertensive rat. The capacity of the aorta to synthesize prostacyclin (PGI2) was compared in clipped (group A, n = 9), unclipped (group B, n = 8 and group D, n = 9), and sham-unclipped (group C, n = 9) 1K,1C hypertensive rats. The involvement of platelet-activating factor (PAF), a potent renal antihypertensive phospholipid, in the reversal of renal clip hypertension was also examined. Hypertensive rats [systolic blood pressure (BP) greater than 180 mmHg] were fed a synthetic diet for 4 wk, after which group A was killed immediately, group C was sham-unclipped, and groups B and D unclipped and killed 24 h later. Blood was drawn for the measurement of plasma lyso-PAF (the precursor of PAF) and the aorta removed for determination of 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha, the stable hydrolysis product of PGI2). BP fell substantially in the unclipped rats (groups B and D) but did not change in the sham-unclipped rats (group C). Mean aortic 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was increased in the unclipped groups [group B, 15.4 +/- 2.4 (SE) ng/mg; group D, 10.8 +/- 2 ng/mg] compared with group A (7.7 +/- 1 ng/mg) and group C (7.1 +/- 1 ng/mg) (H = 13.74, P less than 0.01). Plasma lyso-PAF was also significantly increased in the unclipped (group D, 261 +/- 26 ng/ml) vs. the sham-unclipped group (group C, 211 +/- 23 ng/ml, P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The role of Ca2+ in regulating the catabolism of PAF-acether (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) in rabbit platelets.

In the present study we have investigated the effect of changes in the concentration of cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) on the deacetylation-reacylation of PAF-acether (alkylacetylglycerophosphocholine, alkylacetyl-GPC) by rabbit platelets. Washed platelets were incubated with alkyl[3H]acetyl-GPC ([3H]acetyl-PAF) or [3H]alkylacetyl-GPC ([3H]alkyl-PAF) and [Ca2+]i was subsequently elevated by the addition of the ionophore A23187 or thrombin. The catabolism of PAF-acether was studied by measuring the release of [3H]acetate or the formation of [3H]alkylacyl-GPC. The ionophore inhibited the release of [3H]acetate and the formation of [3H]alkylacyl-GPC with no accumulation of lyso-[3H]PAF, indicating that the deacetylation of PAF-acether was blocked. The effect of ionophore on the deacetylation of PAF-acether was parallel with the increase of [Ca2+]i and could be reversed by the addition of EGTA. In contrast with the prolonged inhibition evoked by ionophore, thrombin, which induced a transient elevation of [Ca2+]i, merely delayed the deacetylation of PAF-acether. Since intact platelets failed to convert exogenous lyso-PAF, the effect of Ca2+ on its acylation was investigated by using platelet homogenates. These experiments showed that the acylation of lyso-PAF was inhibited by the exogenously added Ca2+, with a maximum effect at 1 mM. When the formation of endogenous lyso-PAF from the labelled pool of alkylacyl-GPC was examined, a prolonged increase in the concentration of lyso-PAF with a parallel and equally prolonged decrease in the cellular level of alkylacyl-GPC were observed after the addition of ionophore to intact platelets. The addition of EGTA reversed the effect of ionophore, thus permitting reacylation of lyso-PAF. In contrast, only a transient change in the level of lyso-PAF and alkylacyl-GPC was evoked by the addition of thrombin. Therefore we conclude that the inhibitory effect of Ca2+ on the deacetylation-reacylation of PAF-acether may have an important role in the regulation of its biosynthesis.