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Erythropoietin (/ ɪ ˌ r ɪ θ r oʊ ˈ p ɔɪ. ɪ t ɪ n,-r ə-,-p ɔɪ ˈ ɛ t ɪ n,-ˈ iː t ɪ n /; [1] [2] [3] EPO), also known as erythropoetin, haematopoietin, or haemopoietin, is a glycoprotein cytokine secreted mainly by the kidneys in response to cellular hypoxia; it stimulates red blood cell production (erythropoiesis) in the bone marrow.
Erythropoietin is produced in the kidney and liver in response to low oxygen levels. In addition, erythropoietin is bound by circulating red blood cells; low circulating numbers lead to a relatively high level of unbound erythropoietin, which stimulates production in the bone marrow.
The kidneys secrete a variety of hormones, including erythropoietin, calcitriol, and renin. Erythropoietin is released in response to hypoxia (low levels of oxygen at tissue level) in the renal circulation. It stimulates erythropoiesis (production of red blood cells) in the bone marrow.
Each adult human kidney contains around 1 million nephrons, while a mouse kidney contains only about 12,500 nephrons. The kidneys also carry out functions independent of the nephrons. For example, they convert a precursor of vitamin D to its active form, calcitriol ; and synthesize the hormones erythropoietin and renin .
The production of red blood cells (or erythropoeisis) in the body is regulated by erythropoietin, which is a protein produced by the kidneys in response to poor oxygen delivery. [14] As a result, more erythropoeitin is produced to encourage red blood cell production and increase oxygen-carrying capacity.
Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the interstitial fibroblast cells of the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels. It prompts the production of erythrocytes. Thrombopoietin, another glycoprotein hormone, is produced by the liver and kidneys. It triggers the development of megakaryocytes into platelets.
Erythropoietin is also used to treat anemia in people, and cats and dogs, with chronic kidney disease who are not on dialysis (those in Stage 3 or 4 disease and those living with a kidney transplant). There are two types of erythropoietin for people, and cats and dogs, with anemia due to chronic kidney disease (not on dialysis). [12] [13]
Abnormal kidney function may cause too much or too little urine to be produced. The ability of the kidneys to filter protein is often measured, as urine albumin or urine protein levels, [2] measured either at a single instance or, because of variation throughout the day, as 24-hour urine tests. [citation needed]
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