The association of protein Ser/Thr phosphatase type 1(PP1) and type 2A (PP2A) with the cytoskeleton (Triton X-100 insoluble residue) during human platelet activation was investigated. In unstimulated platelets, 40% of total PP1-like activity was present in the Triton-insoluble cytoskeleton, while only 10% of the total PP2A-like activity was present in this fraction. Stimulation with 1 U/ml thrombin produced a 1.8-fold increase in PP1-like activity and a 7-fold increase in PP2A-like activity, respectively, in the cytoskeletal fraction, under aggregating conditions. Immunoblot analysis revealed that thrombin treatment increased association of PP1 catalytic subunit isozymes (PP1 alpha, PP1 gamma, PP1 delta) and PP2A catalytic subunit with the cytoskeleton, with concomitant decrease of these enzymes in Triton-soluble fractions. The amounts of cytoskeleton-associated PP1 and PP2A depended on the dose of thrombin which could activate platelets. Agonist-induced redistribution of PP1 and PP2A into the cytoskeleton was inhibited by OP-41483 (a prostaglandin I2 analog). Interaction of PP2A with cytoskeletal proteins strongly correlates with aggregation, whereas the association of PP1 with cytoskeleton can be detected upon platelet activation, even in the absence of aggregation. Co-extraction of protein kinase C and myosin light chain kinase with the cytoskeleton eventually translocated to the cytoskeleton, but only during aggregation. These results suggest that differential translocation of PP1 and PP2A to the cytoskeleton is involved in platelet activation, and their association with cytoskeletal proteins may regulate phosphorylation levels together with protein kinases in platelets.