ABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the influence of platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor on long-term potentiation (LTP) attenuated by aluminium.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The method of extracellular recording was used to investigate the effect of PAF receptors on PP-CA3 LTP by microinjection of PAF receptor antagonist Ginkgolide B or agonist mc-PAF into CA3 area.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Amplitude of population spikes (PS) of evoked potential was not affected but LTP induction was blocked by 0.2 micromol/L ginkgolide B in CA3 area. (2) LTP induction was not influenced by 0.25 mol/L aluminium chloride, however, it could be blocked when aluminium was applicated with ginkgolide B. (3) LTP induction was influenced slightly by 40 micromol/L mc-PAF but it has no difference in statistic. LTP induction could be blocked completely by 0.5 mol/L aluminium, but when aluminium was coapplicated with mc-PAF, this effect could be relieved.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These results indicate that PAF receptors are involved in induction of LTP in CA3 area by stimulating perforant path. The inhibitory effect of aluminium on LTP is partly related to PAF receptors.</p>