Prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxanes are important modulators of platelet activation, and there is strong evidence to support the existence of distinct thromboxane, prostacyclin, PGD₂ and PGE₂ receptors on the platelet plasma membrane. In this review, each of these platelet prostanoid receptors is discussed in detail, with respect to their receptor pharmacology, molecular biology and signal transduction, and as to any therapeutic implications of the development of specific agonists and/or antagonists. In addition, it considers the possibility that there are separate vascular receptors for 8-epi PGF_2α, which are not present on the platelet.