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J10 lactate-induced polycythemia in newts.
The Journal of Experimental Zoology
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Sodium lactate treatment increased red blood cell counts in newts, suggesting plasma lactate levels, not oxygen levels, stimulate erythropoietin (ESF) production. This supports the lactate-sensitive cell hypothesis for ESF generation.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Hematology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hypoxia is a known stimulus for erythropoietin (ESF) production, leading to increased red blood cell count.
- The precise mechanisms and triggers for ESF production are complex and may involve factors beyond simple oxygen deprivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of plasma lactate levels in stimulating erythropoietin (ESF) production in newts.
- To determine if lactate, independent of hypoxia, can induce an increase in red blood cell count.
Main Methods:
- Newts (Triturus cristatus carnifex) were treated with sodium lactate or sodium pyruvate solutions.
- Red blood cell counts and blood pH were measured and compared to control groups.
- Experimental conditions controlled for oxygenation levels.
Main Results:
- Sodium lactate treatment resulted in a 35% increase in red blood cell count and slight alkalosis.
- Sodium pyruvate treatment caused only alkalosis, without affecting red blood cell count.
- Hypoxia was observed to increase plasma lactate levels.
Conclusions:
- Increased plasma lactate, not directly hypoxia, stimulates erythropoietin (ESF) production in newts.
- The findings indirectly support the hypothesis that "lactate-sensitive cells" in renal corpuscles are responsible for ESF production.