1.   There was a positive correlation between platelet activating factor precursors and acid or pepsin output but not between platelet activating factor precursors and sialic acid.

2.   Each sample was submitted to assay for platelet activating factor, platelet activating factor precursors, acid, pepsin, choline, and N-acetylneuraminic acid.

3.   In this study, we showed that in healthy volunteers secretion of gastric platelet activating factor precursors increased under pentagastrin infusion.

4.   We found a relation between platelet activating factor precursors and acid, and between platelet activating factor precursors and pepsin.

5.   The fact that pentagastrin increased platelet activating factor precursors would suggest that platelet activating factor may have a role in the gastric functions, in particular gastric acid secretion.

6.   Such a mechanism seems unlikely because platelet activating factor precursors increase under pentagastrin infusion.

7.   In concludion, the rise in platelet activating factor precursors induced by pentagastrin correlates with acid and pepsin.

8.   This correlation argues for the possibility of synthesis of platelet activating factor precursors in cells sensitive to gastrin stimulation.