See Also: platelet-activating factor(medicine)
macrophage-activating factor(medicine)
neutrophil activating factor(medicine)
Macrophage-activating factor (MAF)(health)
insulin activating factor(medicine)
osteoclast activating factor(medicine)
monocyte chemotactic and activating factor(medicine)
platelet Factor 4(medicine)
platelet factor 3(medicine)
low affinity platelet factor IV(medicine)

platelet-activating factor (medicine)


platelet-activating factor
<cytokine> 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