Platelets from diabetic subjects show diminished sensitivity to prostacyclin

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Abstract
Prostacyclin, an unstable metabolite of arachidonic acid metabolism, was shown to have potent platelet antiaggregatory and vasodilator activity. Available evidence suggests that arterial prostacyclin production is diminished in the diabetic state. The sensitivity of platelets from diabetic subjects to the antiaggregatory effects of prostacyclin in vitro was examined and platelets from some diabetic patients show diminished sensitivity to the antiaggregatory effects of prostacyclin. Diabetic subjecs may not only have diminished prostacyclin production but their platelets may also be less sensitive to its effects. These findings may help to explain the increase in vascular disease observed in diabetic patients.