A novel class of platelet activating factor antagonists from Phoma sp.

Platelet-activating factor and platelet-activating factor antagonists in acute pancreatitis.

INTRODUCTION Acute pancreatitis causes platelet-activating factor (PAF) to be released which induces systemic effects that contribute to circulatory disturbances and multiple organ failure. PAF has also been implicated as a key mediator in the progression of severe acute pancreatitis, which can lead to complications and unacceptably high mortality rates. MODE OF ACTION OF PAF IN ACUTE PANCREA...

YM-215343, a novel antifungal compound from Phoma sp. QN04621.

Through our screening for novel antifungal compounds, YM-215343 was found in the culture extract of Phoma sp. QN04621. The structure of YM-215343 was determined by several spectroscopic experiments as a novel compound closely related to apiosporamide and fischerin. YM-215343 exhibited antifungal activity against the pathogenic fungi, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fum...

Platelet activating factor revisited.

Platelet-activating factor.

Platelet-activating factor is a phospholipid with diverse potent physiological effects. Its actions are achieved at concentrations as low as IO-‘” M in some systems and almost always by lo-’ M as an intercellular messenger. The molecular structure of PAF was discovered through parallel investigations of two different biological activities: a factor in the blood of rabbits undergoing anaphylaxis...

Platelet-activating factor.

Our ability to chemically characterize and synthesize this autacoid of allergy and inflammation has given us a unique opportunity to study these important molecules in a highly disciplined fashion. It has also opened the door to a vista of research approaches to define PAF's normal physiologic role as well as its actions as an immunopathologic mediator. Recent work is described.