The aim of this study was to compare fibrinogen binding, inhibition of platelet aggregation and secretory potential of the MAb abciximab (0.5-5 microg/mL) and the peptidomimetic compound SR121566A (15-250 ng/mL) in vitro in whole blood. Fibrinogen binding was followed by flow cytometry; platelet function was evaluated by light transmittance and by impedance aggregometry. Secretory functions of platelets were evaluated using ATP as marker for early secretion by dense granulae and P-selectin (CD62) for alpha-granular secretion as well as CD63 for lysosomal degranulation. Results showed that fibrinogen binding induced by 5 microM TRAP was maximally inhibited greater than 80% at 3 microg/mL abciximab or at 250 ng/mL SR121566A. At these concentrations of antagonists, platelet aggregation induced by 5 microM ADP or 2 microg/mL collagen was inhibited completely. Expression of CD62 was reduced 34% with abciximab or 15% with SR121566A; CD63 expression was reduced 22% with both agents. With both agents, the EC50 for inhibition of CD62 and CD63 expressions was in similar magnitudes than the EC50 for fibrinogen binding inhibition. With 3 microg/mL abciximab, ATP secretion was maximally reduced to 50% of the control, whereas SR121566A at 250 ng/mL had no inhibitory effect on this parameter. A slight increase in ATP secretion was seen with 0.5 microg/mL abciximab and with SR121566A in concentrations of less than 45 ng/mL. The data suggest a discoupling between the anti-aggregatory and the antisecretory effects of IIb/IIIa antagonists. Because it is not established to what extend CD62 or CD63 expression can be reduced by any means, the reduction by 20-30% obtained by 3 microg/mL abciximab or 250 ng/mL SR121566A might already be the maximum possible inhibition by these agents.