PROSTAGLANDIN E(1) DECREASES CIRCULATING ENDOTHELIAL-CELLS

Prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)) has been claimed to have cytoprotective ef fects and also to decrease thrombogenicity. The effect of intraarteria l (i.a.) and intravenous (i.v.) administration of PGE(1) on the number of circulating endothelial cells (CEC) was investigated in patients w ith peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Patients with hyperlipoproteine mia and also smokers exhibited higher numbers of CEC. PGE(1) significa ntly (p < 0.01) decreased CEC. In parallel, plate let survival was pro longed (r = -0.82). This effect lasted for more than a month after sto pping PGE(1)-therapy. The observed decrease in CEC reflects the decrea sed thrombogenicity and improved haemostasis achieved after PGE(1).