The peptide YFLLRNP antagonizes the aggregation of human platelets when induced by low concentrations of alpha-thrombin or the thrombin receptor agonist peptide (SFLLRNP), demonstrating that it interacts specifically with the thrombin receptor. Platelets exposed to YFLLRNP show immediate shape change (pseudopod formation) and potentiation of the ADP and platelet-activating factor response, but no Ca2+ mobilization, P47 (pleckstrin) phosphorylation, secretion, or aggregation. Thus, YFLLRNP induces a state of partial activation of the platelets. Furthermore, with platelets prestimulated with adrenalin (10 microM), YFLLRNP induces aggregation, but no secretion, and only in the presence of added fibrinogen. We also found that prostacyclin inhibits the YFLLRNP-induced shape change; but EDTA, aspirin, and apyrase (ADP scavenger) do not. Thus, the thrombin receptor in platelets may communicate, independently of Ca2+ mobilization and P47 phosphorylation (protein kinase C activation), with intracellular signaling mechanisms that 1) modulate the cytoskeleton structure, 2) potentiate other platelet responses, and 3) stimulate coupling between the thrombin receptor and fibrinogen binding (the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex). YFLLRNP may be useful for differentiating between several possible activation states of the platelet thrombin receptor.