Studies on Erythropoiesis. III. Factors Controlling Erythropoietin Production

Abstract

Summary and Conclusion1. We studied the erythropoietic response to anemic plasma of a variety of experimental conditions in the rat. Rats subjected to hypophysectomy, an atmosphere of high O2, starvation, and transfusion-induced polycythemia have a decreased rate of erythropoiesis and an exaggerated response to the administration of anemic plasma. 2. Treatment with dinitrophenol increases the rate of erythropoiesis and decreases the response to anemic plasma. 3. These findings are in agreement with the hypothesis that the rate of erythropoiesis is determined by the amount of erythropoietin, the production of which is regulated by the relationship between O2 supply and demand, not by either factor alone.