Levels of VIIIR: AG and plasminogen activator (PA) in the venous blood before and after 5 minutes' tourniquet were measured to evaluate function of the vascular endothelial cells in 25 patients with acute myocardial infarction, 17 patients with cerebral infarction (patient group) and 26 healthy subjects (control group). Mean level of VIIIR: AG in the venous blood before tourniquet was significantly higher and that of PA was significantly lower in these patients, as compared with control group. After 5 minutes' tourniquet, mean amount of VIIIR: AG released was significantly higher in patient group than in control group, although no difference was observed in PA release. In patients complicating diabetes mellitus or hypertention, more VIIIR: AG was released than in patients without these complications. In patints complicating hypertention, PA release was significantly lower than in patients without the complication. The significance of the results obtained was discussed.
