[The effect of erythropoietin treatment on endocrine organ function in patients with terminal-stage kidney failure on hemodialysis].

Eleven hemodialyzed patients with uremia were examined for the effect of erythropoietin (EP) treatment carried out for 3 months on functions of different endocrine organs. EP treatment resulted in a decrease of the initial plasma levels of somatotropin, prolactin, follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones. EP treatment being over, there was a decrease in the plasma content of ACTH, cortisol and aldosterone. The treatment with EP was also associated with an insignificant rise of the plasma levels of parathyroid hormone and testosterone. EP treatment did not influence the plasma concentration of calcitonin and 25-OH-D. EP was found to exert no significant effect on the pituitary-thyroid reverse relationship. The 3-month treatment with EP eventuated in plasma renin activity inhibition as well as in an increase of the atrial level of natriuretic peptide in the plasma. EP treatment stimulated insulin secretion and reduced glucagon secretion. Finally, EP decreased the gastrin level and to a less degree the plasma level of pancreatic polypeptide.