Effects of epoetin on vascular biology

In addition to promoting erythropoiesis, chronic administration of epoetin frequently increases blood pressure, ameliorates uraemic platelet dysfunction, enhances platelet production and elevates resting and stimulated cytosolic [Ca2+]. In addition, in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that epoetin may modify production and activity of certain vasoactive factors and may promote vascular cell growth. Many of the latter effects of epoetin appear to be unrelated to the associated erythropoietic action of the hormone and must, therefore, involve other mechanisms. The present article is intended to provide a brief overview of the effects of epoetin on vascular and haemostatic systems.