Published by:

Background Previous research examining endothelial functionand the biochemical pathways mediatingvasodilation in type 1 diabetes has been conflicting. Both impaired and preserved nitric oxide (NO) mediated vasodilation have been reported whilst some authors have suggested enhanced vasodilator prostanoid (P) activity. The aim of this study was to determine the relative contributions of NO and P to endothelial function in a homogenous group of type 1 diabetic patients free of other confounding factors that may influence vascular behaviour. Methods and results Endothelial function was assessed using forearm venous plethysmography in 16 patients with uncomplicated type 1 (duration of diabetes 16.8±2.