Search

The effects of BN 52021, a new specific paf-acether receptor antagonist and the total Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE 761) from which this product was isolated, were studied in the rat on paf-acether-induced permeability and cell number changes and on endotoxin-induced lethality. Their activities were compared to those of cycloxygenase, 5-lipoxygenase and phospholipase A inhibitors. BN 52021 given s.c. or orally exerted a dose-related inhibition of paf-acether deleterious effects as well as of endotoxin lethality whereas the other drugs tested were poorly effective. These results strongly suggest paf-acether involvement in endotoxic and septic shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]