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SummaryErythropoietin activity has been studied in eight intact and renoprival baboons. These studies demonstrate that renoprival baboons revealed elevations of plasma ESF activity in response to bleeding stimulus as intact baboons subjected to similar repeated bleeding stimuli. It appears that humoral regulation of erythropoiesis persists in anephric baboons.

SummaryThe level of plasma erythropoietin (ESF) from untreated baboon renal allotransplants, compatibly or incompatibly matched in terms of their major human ABO blood groups, was assayed in polycythemic mice. Postoperative rises in ESF occur within 7 days if graft thrombosis ensues. Other grafts exhibit progressive elevations in ESF activity, which correlate directly with the reduction in measured renal blood flow due to renal rejection. Azotemia does not evidently influence this response in this species. Compatibly matched animals demonstrate continued ESF responses despite restoration of peripheral hematocrit values to preoperative ranges.

Summary and ConclusionsErythropoietin (ESF) is a hormone active in the regulation of RBC formation. It was commonly thought to originate only in the kidney and is believed to be activated or produced in the kidney in response to hypoxia. Three of 4 human renal allograft patients described here demonstrate that significant ESF activity occurs in the renoprival state. This observation in humans is consistent with previous experimental findings that an extrarenal source or sources of ESF do exist, and that humoral regulation of erythropoiesis persists in anephric man and animals. The validity of ESF detection as a prognostic indicator of graft viability and function is discussed.