The mechanisms involved in the interactions between microgasbubbles and platelets are not clear. The platelet aggregatory response to agonist-induced, receptor-mediated stimuli has been studied extensively. As a direct in vitro approach to elucidate the interaction between gas bubbles and platelets, N2 microbubbles were used as a platelet agonist in an experimental apparatus similar to an ordinary aggregometer. N2 microbubbles of varying number and size were produced in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and incubated at 37 degrees C. The gas-liquid interface of the gas bubbles consists of plasma proteins and lipids. In stirred PRP a considerable decrease occurred in the platelet density, which could not be attributed to formation of citrate complexes with calcium and/or the corresponding reduction in the concentration of free calcium. Gas bubbles with a diameter in the range of 40-120 micron caused the greatest reduction in the platelet density. The platelet movements in PRP and the curvature of the N2 microbubble surface seemed more important for the interaction than the total gas bubble surface available for contact.