1. The efficacy and tolerability of CV-3988, a selective PAF antagonist with structural analogies with PAF, were studied after intravenous infusion in man. 2. The compound, in doses from 750 to 2,000 micrograms kg-1, significantly reduced platelet sensitivity for PAF. The threshold aggregating concentration (TAC) of PAF, expressed in % of the mean predosing value, increased in a dose dependent manner reaching 356 +/- 162% of the basal TAC at the end and 266 +/- 123% of the basal TAC 4 h after infusion of the highest dose. The TAC of PAF returned to the basal value within 24 h after the end of the infusion. 3. CV-3988 did not cause major side effects nor changes in blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate. However, small but clinically insignificant changes in plasma haemoglobin and serum haptoglobin were seen at the end and 4 h after the end of the infusion, indicating a slight haemolysis. 4. Our results indicate that, when adequate infusion volumes and infusion rates are used, CV-3988 can safely be administered to man and should be useful in elucidating the role of PAF in disease.