Bryostatin-7 induces aggregation of human platelets and the phosphorylation of specific platelet proteins. Both the rate and extent of aggregation are similar to that induced by the tumor promoter phorbol ester 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA); however, the rate of response is markedly reduced compared to that induced by thrombin. The addition of bryostatin-7 to 32P-labeled platelets results in a time-dependent incorporation of 32P into proteins of 20, 47 and 250 kDa; proteins of similar molecular mass are phosphorylated in response to the addition of thrombin or PMA. The time courses and dose responses of the phosphorylations induced by bryostatin-7 are similar to those found with PMA. In addition, bryostatin-7 increases the level of 32P incorporation into platelet polyphosphoinositides, which also occurs in response to PMA. These results suggest that, in intact human platelets, bryostatin-7 mimics the phorbol ester tumor promoter by directly activating protein kinase C.