Effects of testosterone on bone marrow erythroid cells of normal and nephrectomized rats

Continuous infusions of testosterone for 8 hr exerted a stimulatory effect on the bone marrow erythroid compartment of normal rats. However, simultaneous administration of testosterone with antiserum against erythropoietin resulted in a complete inhibition of the erythropoietic effects of testosterone. In addition, the stimulatory action of testosterone on bone marrow erythroid cells was completely abolished in rats with bilateral nephrectomy. These results suggest that testosterone stimulates erythropoiesis indirectly, through a previous stimulation of kidney erythropoietin production.