Androgens and Erythropoiesis

Abstract

SINCE early investigations exploring the role of sex hormones on the red cell, hemoglobin and hematocrit,^{1 , 2} numerous reports have now firmly established that androgens stimulate erythropoiesis. Administration of androgens to a variety of mammals and fowl has increased the reticulocyte count, hemoglobin and bone-marrow erythropoietic activity.^{3 4 5} Conversely, castration of the adult male in the same species results in a definite decrease in the peripheral red-cell count and hemoglobin concentration.^{3 , 5 6 7 8} The anemia in castrated male animals is restored to normal by administration of androgens.^{3 , 4 , 7 , 8} In man, repeated observations have shown that the adult male has higher hemoglobin, hematocrit and red-cell count . . .