Medical Term:
platelet-aggregating factor
Definition: phospholipid mediator of platelet aggregation, inflammation, and anaphylaxis. Produced in response to specific stimuli by a variety of cell types, including neutrophils, basophils, platelets, and endothelial cells. Several molecular species of PAF have been identified that vary in the length of the O-alkyl side chain. It is an important mediator of bronchoconstriction.
Synonym(s): platelet-activating factor
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Examples: glitazone, GI cocktail, etc.
