Dinkelaar R B, Engels E Y, Hart A A, Schoemaker L P, Bosch E, Chamuleau R A
Exp Hematol. 1981 Aug;9(7):796-803.
Half plasma disappearance time (HDT) of endogenous erythropoietin (Ep) was measured in single rats, using an in vitro assay system for EP. In rats treated with the hepatotoxic agent d-Galactosamine-HCl (GalN), a small but significant elevation of HDT was found as compared with control rats (164 and 105 min, respectively). In bilaterally nephrectomized rats mean HDT was significantly elevated: 266 min. Combination of nephrectomy and GalN treatment did not result in a significant further elongation of HDT (mean = 301 min). In experiments using isolated liver perfusion, rat livers (with and without GalN treatment) were shown to be unable to change perfusate Ep titre during 4 h of perfusion. It is concluded that hepatic degradation of Ep in rats is only minimal. The kidney however is important in the catabolism of Ep.
