Objectives: The present study was conducted to examine the effects of acute administration of prostacyclin derivatives on plasma levels of adhesion molecules, endothelial function, and pulse wave velocity in patients with coronary heart disease.
Methods: In 20 patients with coronary heart disease, plasma levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, P-selectin, and beta-thromboglobulin, endothelial function, and pulse wave velocity were assessed before and after the cold pressor test. These assessments were performed again 2 hr after the oral administration of prostacyclin derivatives (beraprost sodium 40 micrograms) or placebo. Endothelial function was assessed by changes in forearm blood flow before and after reactive hyperemia. Pulse wave velocity was determined by the volume rendering method.
Results: Prostacyclin derivatives significantly improved endothelial function and decreased plasma beta-thromboglobulin level, but did not affect blood pressure and pulse wave velocity. Prostacyclin derivatives did not prevent the elevations of blood pressure and pulse wave velocity induced by the cold pressor test, but did prevent the elevations of P-selectin and beta-thromboglobulin induced by the cold pressor test.
Conclusions: Prostacyclin derivatives improved endothelial function and prevented platelet activation induced by the cold pressor test. Prostacyclin apparently has an anti-atherogenic effect.