Detection of platelet-activating factor in amniotic fluid of complicated pregnancies

DR Hoffman, R Romero, JM Johnston - American journal of obstetrics and …, 1990 - Elsevier
The ether phospholipid PAF (1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) was originally
described as a potent bioactive lipid associated with inflammatory responses. More recently,
we have suggested a functional role for PAF in fetal lung maturation and the initiation of
parturition. Previously, PAF was detected in the amniotic fluid of women at term during labor.
A significant proportion of this PAF was associated with a lamellar body-enriched fraction. In
addition, the PAF concentration was elevated in fetal rabbit lung during the latter stages of …