Prostacyclin and thromboxane in diabetic children.

Plasma concentrations of a stable metabolite of prostacyclin, 6-keto-prostaglandin Fla (6-keto-PGF1a), and the ability of platelets to generate thromboxane B2 (TxB2), a metabolite of thromboxane A2, during spontaneous clotting of the blood were measured in 40 diabetic children and 16 healthy controls. The diabetics' platelets generated TxB2 to a lesser extent than those of controls, whereas no difference was seen in plasma 6-keto-PGF1a concentration. The balance and duration of diabetes were not related to TxB2 or 6-Keto-PGF1a. The results do not support the theory that an absolute or relative prostacyclin deficiency could trigger the onset of diabetic vascular complications.