Erythropoiesis

Abstract

Assay and StandardsA variety of assay methods have been introduced over the past several years. The production of polycythemia, although theoretically an ideal end point, is impractical owing to the time and the amount of erythropoietin required. Moreover, at low doses the effect of erythropoietin appears to be "dampened out" after several injections, and polycythemia does not result.⁶³ Accordingly, a number of assays have been devised having in common measurement of the erythropoietic response of animals with suppressed erythropoiesis. Irradiated,⁶⁴ fasted,⁶⁵ dehydrated,⁶⁶ polycythemic,⁶⁵ hypophysectomized⁶⁷ and nitrogen-mustard-treated⁶⁸ animals have been used. It is difficult to achieve clear-cut results with small . . .