Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an important neonatal disease with a high mortality rate. The pathophysiology is unclear but epidemiologic studies suggest that hypoxia and infection are important risk factors. In this review we discuss the effect of hypoxia and platelet-activating factor (PAF) on intestinal blood flow and intestinal necrosis, and implicate PAF as an important mediator in hypoxia-induced intestinal injury. Finally we provide evidence that PAF may be important in neonatal NEC.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Azepines / therapeutic use
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Enterocolitis / pathology
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Enterocolitis / physiopathology*
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Humans
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Hypoxia / physiopathology*
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Intestines / drug effects
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Intestines / pathology
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Intestines / physiology
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Necrosis
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Platelet Activating Factor / antagonists & inhibitors
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Platelet Activating Factor / physiology*
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Quinolinium Compounds / therapeutic use
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Triazoles / therapeutic use
Substances
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Azepines
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Platelet Activating Factor
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Quinolinium Compounds
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Triazoles
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SRI 63-441
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WEB 2086