Stimulation of erythropoiesis in mice by adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate and prostaglandin E1.

Adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate, 2 to 16 mg, and prostaglandin E1, 0.05 to 0.10 mg, stimulate erythropoiesis in ex-hypoxic, polycythemic mice. The stimulation can be prevented by the simultaneous administration of an antiserum to erythropoietin. India ink penetration shows that at these doses blood circulation is blocked in the kidney. Tissue hypoxia, especially in the kidney, causes production of erythropietin. The strong effect on the kidney circulation suggests that the major part of the stimulation of erythropoiesis by these agents is through their effect on renal circulation.