ΑIIbβ3 is a key mediator in the thrombotic process and has been studied extensively. This current work reports the first Raman spectrum of the protein, and examines changes in conformation during activation. Using three common agonists (DTT, Mn(II) and EDTA), the results indicate that in each case activation is caused by reduction of disulfide links, but suggests that different disulfides are activated according to the reagent used. The histopathological correlation to these findings has yet to be determined.