1-Arylalkyl-5-phenylsulfonamino-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid esters and their carboxamides with an additional secondary amino group were synthesized and identified as antiplatelet agents in a low micromolar range (Born-test, inducer collagen). To describe the mechanism of action more precisely the Born-test was carried out as well with ADP, adrenaline or PAF, respectively. In addition, two compounds were investigated for their COX-1 inhibitory activities. Provided the essential structural criteria are met i.e. amide group or ester, sulfonylamino rest, hydrophobic moieties, and a secondary amino function, slight structural modifications are able to shift the pattern of activity among the above platelet receptors. So, the ester 5c exhibits PAF antagonistic activity at IC(50) = 1 microM and COX-1 inhibition (IC(50) = 0.4 microM). The carboxamide 6c shows ADP antagonistic properties (IC(50) = 2 microM). Compound 6g is as well PAF antagonistic (IC(50) = 4 microM) and a COX-1 inhibitor (IC(50) = 1 microM). The derivative 6i shows a strong antiadrenergic (IC(50) = 0.15 microM) and PAF antagonistic (IC(50) = 0.66 microM) effect.