Definition
noun, plural: erythropoietins
A glycoprotein hormone that regulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow in response to the low levels of oxygen in tissues
Supplement
Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein hormone that regulates erythropoiesis, the process that leads to the production of red blood cells or erythrocytes.
Erythropoietin is a 46 kD glycoprotein. In adults, it is produced primarily by the interstitial fibroblast cells in the kidneys. The cells are sensitive to low arterial oxygen concentration and will release erythropoietin when oxygen is low (hypoxia). In fetal and perinatal period, the hormone is produced chiefly by the perisinusoidal cells in the liver.
Erythropoietin stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells to increase the oxygen caring capacity of the blood.
The measurement of this hormone in the bloodstream can indicate bone marrow disorders or kidney disease. Normal levels of erythropoietin are 0 to 19 mU/ml (milliunits per millilitre). Elevated levels can be seen in polycythaemia rubra vera. Lower than normal values are seen in chronic renal failure.
A synthetic version of erythropoietin is made available through recombinant DNA technology. Recombinant human erythropoietin (or erythropoiesis-stimulating agent, ESA) is used therapeutically to treat anemia in medical conditions such as chronic kidney disease and myelodysplasia. It is also being used illegally by athletes as a performance-enhancing drug.
Word origin: poiēt(ḗs) (“maker”)
Abbreviation/Acronym:
- EPO
Synonym(s):
See also:
