Decreased Sensitivity of Platelets to Prostacyclin in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Summary

In order to ascertain the platelet sensitivity to prostacyclin (PGI₂) in patients with diabetes mellitus, we determined the percentage inhibition of platelet aggregation and platelet ATP secretion following PGI₂ addition in an in vitro system. The percentage inhibition of platelet aggregation caused by PGI₂ in final concentration of 1.25, 2.5, or 5.0 ng/ml was significantly lower in diabetics than in healthy controls. That of platelet ATP secretion by 1.25 or 2.5 ng/ml of PGI₂ was also significantly lower in diabetics. These data suggested that in patients with diabetes mellitus, the decreased sensitivity of platelets to PGI₂ will bring about hypercoagulability and may become one of the risk factors of diabetic microangiopathy in cooperation with lowered vascular PGI₂ generation.

Key-Words:

Diabetes Mellitus - Prostacyclin (PGI₂) - Platelet Aggregation - Platelet ATP Secretion - Diabetic Microangiopathy