Increased prostacyclin release from perfused hearts of acutely diabetic rats.

The release of prostacyclin and PGE2 from the isolated perfused hearts of acutely diabetic (streptozotocin 100 mg/kg) rats was studied and compared with hearts from control animals. Prostacyclin and PGE2 were measured by a differential bioassay technique. No basal release of either prostaglandin ws detected. However, after addition of arachidonic acid, a dose dependent release of prostacyclin and PGE2 was noted. Prostacyclin was identified as the major prostaglandin. Release of prostacyclin and PGE2 from acutely diabetic rat hearts was increased 2-3 times compared to control hearts. No release of prostaglandin endoperoxides was observed in either group of hearts.