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Background: The atherosclerotic and specific microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus are likely to have multifactorial etiology, and disturbed platelet function may be imlicated. The aim of this study was to measure the blood serotonin and thromboxane B concentrations and to compare the values between the group with various diabetic complication in NIDDM patients. Methods: Thirty one patients with NIDDM and sex, age matched ten normal controls were recruited. Blood serotonin and thromboxane B concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. In NIDDM patients, the various status of diabetic complications were evaluated. Results: The blood serotonin concentrations of the proliferative diabetic retinopathy group(p<0.05) and hypertension group(p<0.001) were significantly higher than that of the normal controls.But the blood thromboxane B concentration were not significantly different each group. Conclusion: The blood serotonin concentration was higher in the group with diabetic complications, especially diabetic retinopathy and hypertension. It would suggest that serotonin has a role in the progression of vascular complications of NIDDM.