Medical Definition of Platelet-activating factor
1.
Potent phospholipid activator and mediator of many leucocyte functions, including platelet aggregation, inflammation, and anaphylaxis.
It is produced in response to specific stimuli by a variety of cell types, including neutrophils, basophils, platelets, and endothelial cells. Several molecular species of platelet-activating factor have been identified which vary in the length of the O-alkyl side chain. It is an important mediator of bronchoconstriction.
Synonym: platelet-aggregating factor.
Acronym: PAF
(20 Sep 2002)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Platelet-activating Factor
Other Resources:
