Effect of experimentally induced diabetes on swine vascular prostacyclin (PGI2) synthesis

Repeated administration of streptozotocin to Göttingen miniature swine led to the development of a mild form of diabetes. The amount of PGI2 generated by the vessels (abdominal aorta, thoracic aorta, pulmonary artery), as estimated by reference to inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation, was lower in the treated animals than in the controls. The decrease in the synthesis of PGI2 may contribute to the prethrombotic state in diabetes mellitus.