1. The triazolodiazepine WEB 2086 has been evaluated as an antagonist of platelet-activating factor (Paf) by studying its effects on Paf-induced human platelet aggregation and microvascular leakage in guinea-pigs. 2. WEB 2086 inhibited Paf-induced platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma in vitro (IC50 = 117 +/- 35 nM, mean +/- s.d.) but had no effect on adenosine 3',5'-diphosphate-induced aggregation. 3. Paf-induced microvascular leakage, measured by the extravasation of intravenously-injected Evans blue dye, was inhibited in a dose-related fashion in the airways and other tissues by WEB 2086, achieving a maximal inhibitory effect at 10 micrograms kg-1, i.v. 4. However, WEB 2086 (10 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) did not inhibit a comparable increase in vascular permeability induced by ovalbumin in sensitized guinea-pigs. 5. We conclude that WEB 2086 is a potent antagonist of Paf and that Paf does not appear to be responsible for antigen-induced microvascular leakage.