Forearm ischaemia as a test of prostacyclin production: Studies in normal subjects and in patients with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Plasma levels of 6-oxo-PGF_1α, the hydrolysis product of prostacyclin, were significantly reduced in men with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, compared with normal controls. Male diabetics with back ground or no retinopathy formed an intermediate group with plasma levels of 6-oxo-PGF lower than controls and higher than patients with proliferative retinopathy. Forearm ischaemia increased plasma levels of 6-oxo-PGF by 30% in normal subjects.The increase occurred during arterial occlusion and was diminished by pretreatment with aspirin. The increase after ischaemia may reflect increased prosta cyclin production. In diabetic patients forearm ischaemia produced an increase in plasma 6-oxo-PGF la similar to that seen in control subjects.