Platelet-activating factor(PAF)is a potentproinflammatory phospholipid mediator that belongsto a family of biologically active,structurally relatedalkyl phosphoglycerides with diverse pathologicaland physiological effects.This bioactive phospholipidmediates processes as diverse as wound healing,physiological inflammation,angiogenesis,apoptosis,reproduction and long-term potentiation.PAF actsby binding to a specific G protein-coupled receptorto activate multiple intracellular signaling pathways.Since most cells both synthesize and release PAFand express PAF receptors,PAF has potent biologicalactions in a broad range of cell types and tissues.Inappropriate activation of this signaling pathway isassociated with many diseases in which inflammationis thought to be one of the underlying features.Acutepancreatitis(AP)is a common inflammatory disease.The onset of AP is pancreatic autodigestion mediatedby abnormal activation of pancreatic enzyme caused bymultiple agents,which subsequently induce pancreaticand systemic inflammatory reactions.A number ofexperimental pancreatitis and clinical trials indicatethat PAF does play a critical role in the pathogenesisof AP.Administration of PAF receptor antagonist cansignificantly reduce local and systemic events that occurin AP.This review focuses on the aspects that are morerelevant to the pathogenesis of AP. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent proinflammatory phospholipid mediator that belongs to a family of biologically active, structurally related alkyl phosphoglycerides with diverse pathologicaland physiological effects. This bioactive phospholipid mediates processes as diverse as wound healing, physiological inflammation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, reproduction and long- term potentiation. PAF byby binding to a specific G protein-coupled receptor activates multiple intracellular signaling pathways .ince most cells both synthesize and release PAF and express PAF receptors, PAF has potent biologicalactions in a broad range of cell types and tissues. signaling pathway isassociated with many diseases in which inflammationis thought to be one of the underlying features. Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common inflammatory disease. The onset of AP is pancreatic autodigestion mediatedby abnormal activation of pancreatic enzyme caused by multiple agents, which subsequently induc e pancreaticand systemic inflammatory reactions. A number of experimental pancreatitis and clinical trials indicate that PAF does play a critical role in the pathogenesis of AP. Administration of PAF receptor antagonist can reduce the local and systemic events that occur in AP. This review focuses on the aspects that are morerelevant to the pathogenesis of AP.