Effect of three specific PAF antagonists, SR-27417, BN-50739 and ginkgolide derivative BN-52021 have been evaluated in models of thrombosis in the mouse, rat and cat. Thrombosis in the mouse was induced by intravenous infusion of collagen and adrenaline. In rats it was induced by inserting a metallic wire into the inferior vena cava. In the cat, thrombus formation was assessed in the extracorporeal shunt. All the antagonists offered a dose-dependent protection against pulmonary thromboembolism in mice (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg) and the thrombosis monitored in the extracorporeal shunt in cats (0.3, 1 and 3 mg/kg). In rats, no significant protection was observed with these antagonists even at the highest dose used.