ROLE OF LIVER IN THE INACTIVATION OF ERYTHROPOIETIN.

Abstract

THERE is still considerable uncertainty as to the site or sites of inactivation of erythropoietin (ESF). Jacobsen et al.1 found that plasma extracts obtained from rabbits treated with acetylphenylhydrazine (APH) showed definite ESF activity when tested in hypophysectomized rats. These APH-treated rabbits had evidence of liver damage. In plasma extracts obtained from animals without evident liver damage, no erythropoietic activity was observed. Prentice and Mirand2,3 placed normal rats under low oxygen tension (8–12 per cent) and did not detect ESF in their plasma. When the experiment was repeated on rats treated with carbon tetrachloride, ESF was found in the plasma. When plasma obtained from animals treated with APH was injected directly into the portal vein, no erythropoietic response was observed. When such plasma was injected into the jugular vein, a definite effect was obtained. From this observation they concluded that liver has a role in the inactivation of ESF.