Platelet-Activating Factor and Related Lipid Mediators 2

In the last decade, research on platelet-activating factor (PAF) has expanded exponentially. Previous conferences on PAF in Paris, 1983, and the subsequent conferences in Gatlinburg, Ten nessee, Tokyo, Snowbird, Utah, and Berlin, at three-yearly intervals, have chronicled the devel opments in the field ofPAF. This volume records the proceedings of the Fifth International Con gress on PAF and Related Lipid Mediators, held at the Free University Medical Hospital Ben jamin Franklin in Berlin, from September 12-16, 1995. We are very much indebted to Free Uni versity Berlin for providing tremendous facilities and financial support. It was a great pleasure to have positive and generous input from the German Science Council (DFG), Bonn, Germany, and British·Biotech, Oxford, United Kingdom. Their support was crucial in making the congress a scientific success. Twenty other organizations provided additional financial support, for which we extend our deepest appreciation. The editors would like to thank all of those who participated in this congress and the authors for their contributions. The organization and planning of the Berlin Congress were carried out by an organizing committee. We gratefully acknowledge the support and assistance of the organizing commit tee members, especially Renate Nigam and Renate Roux for their untiring efforts to make the congress successful. Many colleagues also supported the congress with dedication, hard work, and expert input. We are grateful to them. We also wish to acknowledge the support of G. Sravan Kumar and Louis Kock for their efforts in producing this volume.

Zusammenfassung
Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference held in Berlin, Germany, September 12,-16, 1995

Inhalt
Introduction. The Continuing Biochemical Challenge of PAF and Closely Related Lipid Mediators; D.J. Hanahan. PAF Synthesis and Transport. Biosynthesis of Platelet-Activating Factor and Enzyme Inhibitors; F. Snyder, et al. PAF Analogues and Antagonists. Formation of Biologically Active Mediators from Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Phospholipids; R.C. Murphy. PAF Receptor. Platelet-Activating Factor: Gene Structure and Tissue-Specific Regulation; T. Shimizu, et al. PAF: Acetylhydrolases and Transacetylases. Functional and Structural Features of Plasma Platelet-Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase; L.W. Tjoelker, et al. PAF and Gene Expression. Stimulation of NF-kappaB Activation and Gene Expression by Platelet-Activating Factor; R.D. Ye, et al. Ether Lipids and Tumours. Heterocyclic Alkylphospholipids with an Improved Therapeutic Range; P. Hilgard, et al. PAF and Related Alkylphospholipids in Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases. Platelet-Activating Factor Is an Effector of Rapid Reactions and Inductor of Late-Responses in Immune-Mediated Injury; M. Sanchez-Crespo, et al. PAF and Circulation. Role of Platelet-Activating Factor in Skeletal Muscle Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury; D. Silver, et al. PAF and Reproduction. Phospholipids and Cell Signalling. Clinical Trials. 53 Additional Articles. Index.