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PURPOSE: Ischemic colitis develops after a sudden decrease in colonic blood supply and has a variety of clinical manifestations. The aim of this study was to assess the role of platelet activating factor in the pathogenesis of ischemic colitis with use of the platelet activating factor antagonist TCV-309. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into four groups. Rats in Group RV underwent ring attachment around the rectum to induce partial obstruction and ligation of the marginal vessels of the left colon. As control, rats in Group R underwent the ring attachment and rats in Group V underwent the vascular ligation. Rat in Group C underwent sham operation. The effects of TCV-309 on lesion formation in the colon were evaluated. Thiobarbituric acid reactant level was determined in colonic mucosa, and the incidence and severity of ischemic lesions were also determined. RESULTS: Lesions of colitis were frequently observed in Group RV. TCV-309 did not prevent lesion formation, nor did it suppress the increase in thiobarbituric acid reactant level in Group RV. However, TCV-309 mitigated the severity of the lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Partial obstruction of the colon tends to induce ischemic colitis, and additional ischemia completes lesion formation. Platelet activating factor may play a role in the progression of ischemic lesions.