Effect of cilostazol on the production of platelet-derived growth factor in cultured human vascular endothelial cells

Increased levels of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) may play a central role in the development of arteriosclerosis, but the factors that inhibit PDGF production in vascular endothelial cells remain mostly unknown. We examined the effects of cilostazol, an antithrombotic agent, and high glucose on PDGF production in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). HUVEC grown in high glucose exhibits increased PDGF production, which was markedly inhibited by cilostazol. Since cilostazol inhibits PDGF production in HUVEC, its use may exhibit anti-arteriosclerotic effects in diabetic patients. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.