LOW-LEVELS OF INTRAPLATELET CGMP IN IDDM

OBJECTIVE - To determine the levels of intraplatelet cGMP, an index of activity of the antiaggregatory nitric oxide pathway, in IDDM patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS- We measured intraplatelet and plasmatic cGMP levels in 22 IDDM patients and 22 age- and sex-matched control subjects. RESULTS - intraplatelet cGMP levels decreased in the IDDM patients (0.32 +/- 0.16 pmol/10(9) platelets) when compared with the control group (0.52 +/- 0.32 pmol/10(9) platelets), P = 0.032. Plasmatic cGMP levels were not significantly different between groups. Intraplatelet cGMP levels correlated negatively with the duration of the disease (r = -0.43, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS - IDDM patients have lower levels of intraplatelet cGMP, which may be responsible in part for their platelet hyperactivity.