Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is one of several prostaglandins that can inhibit platelet aggregation and activate adenylate cyclase. Platelets were exposed to varying concentrations of PGD2 washed, and the adenylate cyclase response to prostaglandins, epinephrine, and sodium fluoride determined. Incubating platelets with 5 x 10(-5) M PGD2 for 2 hr resulted in a 45% decrease in PGD2 activation of adenylate cyclase and a 25% decrease in stimulation by PGE1. Fluoride activation (7-fold) epinephrine inhibition (30%) and basal enzyme activity were unchanged by exposure of the platelets to PGD2. Desensitization was concentration dependent, with loss of enzyme activity first noted when platelets were incubated with 10(-7) M PGD2. Enzyme sensitivity could be partially restored when desensitized platelets were washed free of PGD2 and incubated in buffer for 2 hr; complete resensitization required incubation for 24 hr in plasma. Regulation of prostaglandin sensitive platelet adenylate cyclase could be of importance in mediating the response of platelets to aggregating agents.