The effects of diltiazem and verapamil (two structurally different calcium channel blockers) were examined on the rabbit platelets shape change and aggregation induced by adenosine-5'-diphosphate (ADP). 2. ADP was a much more potent stimulator on inducing platelet shape change (ED50 = 1 x 10(-7)) than platelet aggregation (ED50 = 1.78 x 10(-6)). 3. Both drugs similarly inhibited ADP-induced platelet shape change and aggregation at concentrations more than 300 microM. 4. There were no significant differences in inhibitory effects of either diltiazem or verapamil on ADP-induced platelet shape change and aggregation. 5. The inhibitory effects of diltiazem and verapamil on ADP-induced platelet shape change and aggregation at high concentrations may be due to their non specific properties.