Virus-Induced Polycythemia in Mice: Erythropoiesis without Erythropoietin

Abstract

SummaryAn experimental model system of virus-induced polycythemia in Ha/ICR Swiss mice is shown to represent an example of erythropoietin-independent erythropoiesis. This conclusion is based on the following findings: (i) No ESF activity was detected in the plasma or urine of mice at any time after virus infection, nor was there an increased level of REF, and (ii) multiple injections of antierythropoietin did not inhibit the re-initiation of erythropoiesis in plethorized, infected mice or the formation of macroscopic spleen foci in nonplethorized infected mice.