En Si Wang. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 126-140 (2nd gp.)). / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Contents --- p.ii / Abstract --- p.iv / List of Acronyms and Abbreviations --- p.vi / introduction --- p.1 / Chapter I. --- "Platelet Activating Factor (PAF)´ؤPast, Present, and Future" --- p.1 / Chapter I-1. --- What is PAF? --- p.1 / Chapter I-2. --- Biochemistry of PAF --- p.2 / Chapter I-2-1. --- Metabolic Cycle of PAF --- p.3 / Chapter I-2-1-A. --- Biosynthesis of PAF --- p.4 / Chapter I-2-1 -B. --- Inactivation of PAF --- p.6 / Chapter I-2-2. --- Role of Endogenous PAF in Cell --- p.7 / Chapter I-3. --- Chemistry of PAF --- p.8 / Chapter I-4. --- Pathobiology of PAF --- p.9 / Chapter II. --- PAF Receptor --- p.10 / Chapter II-1. --- Presence and Characteristics of PAF Receptor --- p.10 / Chapter II-l-l. --- Solubilization of PAF Receptor --- p.10 / Chapter II-1-2. --- G-Protein Involvement --- p.11 / Chapter II-1-3. --- Species Differences --- p.11 / Chapter II-1-4. --- Multiple Conformational States of PAF Receptor --- p.12 / Chapter II-1-5. --- PAF Receptor Heterogeneity --- p.12 / Chapter II-2. --- Putative Conformation of PAF Membrane Binding Sites --- p.13 / Chapter II-3. --- Recent Progress in PAF Receptor Research --- p.15 / Chapter III. --- PAF Receptor Antagonist --- p.18 / Chapter III-1. --- Classification of PAF Antagonists --- p.18 / Chapter III-2. --- Inhibition Types of PAF Receptor Antagonists --- p.19 / Chapter III-2-1. --- Nonspecific Inhibition of the Effects of PAF --- p.21 / Chapter III-2-2. --- Specific Inhibition of PAF --- p.22 / Chapter III-3. --- Recent Progress in PAF Receptor Antagonist Research --- p.22 / Chapter IV. --- Pharmacology and Syntheses of Spiro-Ether Structural Units --- p.26 / Chapter IV-1. --- Natural Products Containing Spiro-Ether and Related Structural Units --- p.30 / Chapter IV-1-1. --- Labdane Diterpenoids Containing Spiro-Ether Structural Units --- p.30 / Chapter IV-1-2. --- Leucodrin and Related Derivatives --- p.32 / Chapter IV-2. --- Synthetic Methods of Spiro-Ethers and Related Derivatives --- p.34 / Chapter V. --- Aim of the Present Work --- p.45 / RESULTS AND DISCUSSION --- p.47 / Chapter I. --- Isolation and Structure Elucidation of Prehispanolone (1) and Preleoheterin (3) --- p.47 / Chapter I-1. --- Material and Isolation --- p.47 / Chapter I-2. --- Structure Elucidation of Prehispanolone (1) and Preleoheterin (3) --- p.47 / Chapter II. --- Synthesis of Model Compounds --- p.53 / Chapter II-l. --- "Synthesis of 2-Methyl-1,7-dioxaspiro[4.4]nonane (137)" --- p.53 / Chapter II-2. --- "Synthesis of 2,2-Dimethyl-l,7-dioxaspiro[4.4]nonane (139)" --- p.68 / Chapter II-3. --- "Synthesis of 2,2-Diphenyl-1,7-dioxaspiro[4.4]nonane (141) and 2,2-Diphenyl-l,7-dioxaspiro[4.4]non-8-ene (142)" --- p.72 / Chapter III. --- "Partial Synthesis of 13R, 14,15-Dihydroprehispanolone (5)，13S,14,15-Di- hydroprehispanolone (135) and prehispanolone (1)" --- p.76 / CONCLUSION --- p.89 / EXPERIMENTAL SECTION --- p.91 / REFERENCES --- p.126 / APPENDIX --- p.141