The Acute Effect of Erythropoietin on Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Levels during Hypoxia-Reoxygenation Injury in Rats

Abstract

Objective: This experimental study examined the effect oferythropoietinon rat model and particularly in an hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR) protocol. The effect of that molecule was studied biochemically using blood mean red blood cells distribution width(RDW) levels. Materials and Methods: 40 rats of mean weight 247.7 g were used in the study. RDW levels were measured at 60 min (groups A and C) and at 120 min(groups B and D) of reoxygenation. Erythropoietin wasadministered only in groups C and D. Results: Epo administrationnon-significantly decreased the RDW levels by 1.64% +2.53% (p=0.5159). Reperfusion time non-significantly decreased the RDW levels by 1.19% +2.52% (p=0.5405). However, erythropoietin administration and reperfusion timetogether produced a non significant combined effect in decreasing theRWD levels by 1.06% +1.43% (p= 0.4733). Conclusion:Erythropoietin administration, reoxygenation time and their interaction have non-significant decreasing effect on RDW levels. A longer study time or a higher Epo dose is required for future investigation of this variable.