Erythropoietin-Like Effect of a Polycythemic Virus.

Abstract

In a hypertransfused-polycythemic (HP) state erythropoietin production and morphological evidences of erythropoiesis disappear. The only substance reported to date that can initiate erythropoiesis in a HP state is erythropoietin, whether administered exogenously or produced through the effects of other substances. Consequently, the HP state has been used as a reliable assay system for the detection of erythropoietin activity in plasma, urine, and other body fluids. Like erythropoietin, a murine polycythemic virus can initiate erythropoiesis in HP mice. The mechanism by which this virus is able to do this is not known.