Is there a case for PAF antagonists in the treatment of ischemie states?

PAF Antagonist Ginkgolide B Reduces Postischemic Neuronal Damage in Rat Brain Hippocampus

“…Thus, we, for the first time, could provide histological evidence for the protective effect of PAF antagonists on neurons subjected to an ischemic challenge. Our results add significant information to previous reports about ce rebral protection by PAF antagonists given either pre-or postischemically (Panetta et aI., 1987;Spin newyn et aI., 1987;Bielenberg and Wagener, 1989;Braquet et al , 1989). They thus confirm the sugges tion that PAF is crucially involved in the postisch emic impairment of neuronal structure and func tion.…”

Effects of Anemarrhena asphodeloides on Focal Ischemic Brain Injury Induced by Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Rats

“…23,24) It has also been shown that PAF receptor antagonists markedly prevent tissue injury and infarct volume in ischemic states. 25,26) Dong and Han 18) reported that anemarsaponin B isolated from A. asphodeloides inhibits platelet aggregation. As shown in the Materials and Methods section, anemarsaponin B is contained in high amounts in the extract of A. asphodeloides.…”

Efficacy of Antioxidant Therapies in Transient Focal Ischemia in Mice

“…21,22 The terpenoid component (ginkgolides A and B) of EGb has been shown to improve blood flow and reduce thrombus formation by inhibiting PAF. 23,24 The ginkgolides have also been shown to inhibit neutrophil activation, adhesion, and infiltration during reperfusion. 25,26 EGb has also been shown to be beneficial in experimental global CNS ischemia models.…”