Metabolic control in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, as reflected in the in vitro effects of platelets on endothelial cell proliferation and prostacyclin production

Falke P, Stavenow L, Matiasson I. Metabolic control in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, as reflected in the in vitro effects of platelets on endothelial cell proliferation and prostacyclin production. Scand J Clin Lab Invest 1994;54: 267-72We tested the hypothesis that the degree of metabolic control in diabetes mellitus may be a determinant of the ability of platelets to stimulate proliferation of endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Platelets were obtained from 24 patients (two groups of 12 patients each) with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and increased blood glucose concentrations (HbAlc > 10% Hb), duration of disease 2-45 years, on no other medication than insulin at the time of blood sampling or during the preceding 6 months, and with no signs of coronary artery disease, nephropathy, hypertension or retinopathy. The patients served as their own controls, platelets being obtained from them again 2-4 months later when their mean glucose values were lower (HbAlc < 6.5...