Effects of a Thio Analog of Platelet-Activating Factor on Platelet Aggregation and Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate Concentration in Hepatocyte Suspensions and in Platelets. A Comparison with the Naturally Occurring Compound

2-Acetyl-S-octadecyl-rac-1-thioglycero-3-phosphocholine, the thio analog of platelet-activating factor, in concentrations of 10(-6) M to 10(-12) M in the medium, lowers cAMP-concentrations in rat hepatocytes. In a concentration of 10(-4) M, the thio analog aggregates human platelets irreversibly, above 10(-5) M aggregation shows a reversible course. Compared with the saturated or unsaturated ether analogs, the thio compound shows less platelet-aggregating potency. We have correlated this difference in platelet aggregation with reduced cAMP-depressing activity of the thio analog (compared with saturated and unsaturated 2-acetyl-1-O-alkyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholines).