Erythropoietin as a mitogen for fetal liver stromal cells which support erythropoiesis

Fetal liver stromal cells established from 13-day-old embryos support erythropoiesis in vitro in combination with erythropoietin (Epo). Epo stimulated growth of these stromal cells in a dose-dependent manner and mRNA for Epo receptor was detected. These results suggest the possible involvement of Epo in the generation of the fetal erythropoietic microenvironment during development.