Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

In 10 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was assessed using an in vitro assay based on the stimulation of DNA synthesis in the 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line. beta-Thromboglobulin (beta-TG) was used as an index for platelet alpha-granules content. Platelet beta-TG content and PDGF were markedly decreased in diabetic patients while plasma beta-TG was increased as compared with control subjects. In diabetic patients, a significant negative correlation was found between plasma beta-TG level and beta-TG total platelet content, associated with a significant positive correlation between platelet beta-TG content and PDGF. These results suggest that PDGF release might be increased in diabetic subjects. This may account in part for the cell proliferation observed in diabetic angiopathy.