Using subtype-specific antisera, we were able to identify the recently described alpha subunits of G12 and G13 in platelet membranes as 43-kDa proteins. Activation of the thromboxane A2 and the thrombin receptors in platelet membranes led to increased incorporation of the photoreactive GTP analogue [alpha-32P]GTP azidoanilide into immunoprecipitated alpha 12 and alpha 13, indicating that both receptors couple to G12 and G13. In addition, both activated receptors were demonstrated to couple to one or more members of the Gq family. In the absence of receptor agonists, incorporation of [alpha-32P]GTP azidoanilide into alpha 12 and alpha 13 was low over a long time period (up to 45 min) due to an obviously low basal nucleotide exchange rate, whereas an agonist-stimulated photolabeling of alpha 12 and alpha 13 could be observed after 4-8 min and reached a maximum after 30-45 min. Effective activation of G12 and G13 via the thromboxane A2 and the thrombin receptors was not dependent on the presence of GDP. Our results provide evidence that G12 and G13 play a functional role in transmembrane signal transduction and suggest that both proteins are involved in pathways leading to platelet activation.