The effects of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and a PAF antagonist (CV-3988) on smoke inhalation injury in an ovine model

The role of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in inhalation injury was studied in sheep, using CV-3988, a PAF antagonist. Following smoke exposure, 15 sheep were divided into three groups of five. Group I animals were untreated; group II animals were treated with CV-3988 before and after exposure; group III animals were treated only after exposure. In group I, platelet and WBC counts were markedly changed within 6 hours (p < 0.05); in the treated groups, alteration of cell counts was not obvious. Blood malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased significantly only in group I. Blood PGE₂ and TXB₂ levels did not differ among the groups. Mean tissue MDA and mean bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) MDA concentrations were significantly increased in group I (p < 0.01); mean BALF TXB₂ levels were significantly decreased in group I (p < 0.01). These data suggest that PAF affects inhalation injury through modulation of lipid oxygenation and that PAF antagonists may offer therapeutic benefit in the management of this injury.