Platelet activating factor (PAF) is the most potent phospholipid agonist known to date. PAF has a wide variety of physiological effects and has also been implicated in patho-physiology of cells. Since the structural elucidation of PAF in 1979, several laboratories have embarked upon characterizing the PAF receptor and its signaling pathways. This book focuses on this aspect and presents the first comprehensive account of research in the area. It also examines developments on the PAF receptor, its cloning, molecular features, coupling to multiple signaling pathways, and relationship to nuclear gene expression. This is an excellent reference volume for all researchers studying PAF.