1 | INTRODUCTION
Platelet-activating factor (PAF), which was discovered in 1972 [1],
is considered an important hypersensitivity mediator. Its influence
includes anaphylaxis and its most severe form – anaphylactic shock. In
the murine BALB/c model it was found, that PAF together with histamine
may be responsible for the occurrence of anaphylaxis. The effect of PAF
was more related to the reduction of cardiac output than to generalized
vasodilation [2]. Moreover, some reports suggest that the importance
of PAF as a mediator of anaphylaxis in humans may be superior to
histamine and tryptase [3].
The concentration of PAF in the peripheral blood is regulated by plasma
PAF acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) [4, 5]. The physiological influence on
this enzyme seems to be multidirectional [6, 7]. Previous studies
indicate that the reduced activity of PAF-AH may be a potential risk
factor not only for the occurrence but also for the severe course of
food and Hymenoptera venom allergies (HVA) [8-10].
The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the plasma
PAF-AH activity and the severity of anaphylactic reaction after honeybee
and wasp sting, towards a preliminary analysis of using this
relationship for diagnostic purposes.