4-Hydroxy-2,3-trans-nonenal (HNE), an aldehyde end-product of lipid peroxidation, potentiated aggregation and increased thromboxane A2 formation in platelets challenged with ADP, thrombin or the ionophore A23187. These effects were observed at HNE concentrations in the range 10-100 microM. Platelet responses to collagen, epinephrine and arachidonic acid were not affected by HNE. Concentrations of HNE in excess of 100 microM inhibited platelet activation. HNE increased the release of 3H-arachidonic acid from prelabelled platelet phospholipids in response to thrombin or ADP. It is proposed that HNE may play an important role in controlling platelet function by regulating the activity of phospholipase A2.