Abstract
This review focuses on the biology of thrombopoietin (Tpo) during human development. It summarizes the current understanding on molecular biological aspects of Tpo, cellular effects of Tpo on fetal and neonatal megakaryopoiesis, regulation of Tpo production, and circulating Tpo concentrations in human fetuses and neonates. Some important aspects on the developmental biology of Tpo are highlighted. They include the finding of high Tpo gene expression in the bone marrow during the onset of medullary hematopoiesis, higher circulating Tpo concentrations in fetuses and neonates than in children or adults, and a higher sensitivity of neonatal megakaryocyte progenitor cells to Tpo. However, other aspects of the developmental biology of Tpo are incompletely understood. Conclusion: More carefully designed studies are needed to provide the necessary background for an optimal treatment of fetal and neonatal thrombocytopenia.
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