[Serotonin in diabetic retinopathy].

PURPOSE

The present study was designed to evaluate a possible participation of serotonin in the development of retinopathy in diabetes mellitus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Serotonin of whole blood and platelets was studied in 12 patients with Type I and II diabetes using high pressure liquid chromatography method.

RESULTS

The concentration of serotonin in the blood was markedly increased (210 +/- 50 ng/ml in diabetes and 150 +/- 35 ng/ml in control, p < 0.01) and not changed in platelets in diabetes. There was a relation between blood serotonin level and the presence of retinopathy.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that serotonin may be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic microangiopathy.