Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Identification and Analysis of Mouse Erythroid Progenitors using the CD71/TER119 Flow-cytometric Assay
15:32

Identification and Analysis of Mouse Erythroid Progenitors using the CD71/TER119 Flow-cytometric Assay

Published on: August 5, 2011

The anemia of prematurity. Factors governing the erythropoietin response

J A Stockman, J F Garcia, F A Oski

    The New England Journal of Medicine
    |March 24, 1977
    PubMed

    Insights

    Premature infants

    Area of Science:

    • Neonatal physiology
    • Hematology
    • Pediatric research

    Background:

    • Premature infants experience physiological changes affecting oxygen transport.
    • Erythropoietin (EPO) is a key hormone regulating red blood cell production.
    • Understanding EPO response in neonates is crucial for managing anemia.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate factors influencing erythropoietin response in premature infants.
    • To determine the relationship between hemoglobin levels, oxygen-unloading capacity, and EPO levels.
    • To assess the role of the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve in erythropoiesis modulation.

    Main Methods:

    • Sequential studies in 45 premature infants (birth weight < 1500 g) aged 7-120 days.
    • Measurement of hemoglobin concentration and plasma erythropoietin levels.
    • Analysis of oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curves, particularly Hemoglobin F (HbF) percentages.

    Main Results:

    • Significant inverse correlation found between hemoglobin levels and plasma erythropoietin (r = 0.50, P < 0.001).
    • Stronger inverse correlation observed between oxygen-unloading capacity and plasma erythropoietin response (r = 0.55, P < 0.001).
    • Infants with right-shifted curves (lower HbF) tolerated lower hemoglobin levels before comparable EPO response.

    Conclusions:

    • Premature infants demonstrate appropriate erythropoietin response to altered oxygen-unloading capacity.
    • The position of the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve significantly influences erythropoiesis.
    • Hemoglobin concentration alone is not the sole determinant of erythropoiesis modulation in neonates.

    More Related Videos

    Mouse Fetal Liver Culture System to Dissect Target Gene Functions at the Early and Late Stages of Terminal Erythropoiesis06:40

    Mouse Fetal Liver Culture System to Dissect Target Gene Functions at the Early and Late Stages of Terminal Erythropoiesis

    Published on: September 9, 2014

    Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats07:36

    Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

    Published on: November 20, 2015

    Related Concept Videos

    Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply01:24

    Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply

    Rapidly dividing tumors, embryos, and wounded tissues require more oxygen than usual, lowering the oxygen concentration in the blood. At low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor called the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 or HIF1 is activated. HIF1 is a dimeric protein of alpha (ɑ) and beta (β) subunits.  Under optimal oxygen conditions, HIF1β is present in the nucleus while HIF1ɑ remains in the cytosol. HIF1ɑ is hydroxylated by prolyl hydroxylase and factor...
    Erythropoiesis01:14

    Erythropoiesis

    Red blood cells  (RBCs) transport oxygen to all body tissues. These cells survive only for 120 days and then need to be replenished. Erythropoiesis is the process of RBC production. In healthy individuals, erythropoiesis ensures all tissues are amply supplied with oxygen. In addition, blood loss due to injury leads to a drop in the physiological oxygen level that will cause erythropoiesis. Any defect in erythropoiesis leads to several physiological disorders, including thalassemia, anemia, and...
    Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors01:28

    Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors

    Hematopoietic growth factors are molecules that regulate the differentiation rate of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Erythropoietin (EPO), primarily produced by the kidneys, plays a crucial role in erythrocyte production. When oxygen levels in the blood are low, EPO is released into the bloodstream, reaching the bone marrow, where it stimulates HSCs to differentiate and mature into erythrocytes, which are vital for oxygen transport.
    Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
    Erythropoiesis01:14

    Erythropoiesis

    Red blood cells  (RBCs) transport oxygen to all body tissues. These cells survive only for 120 days and then need to be replenished. Erythropoiesis is the process of RBC production. In healthy individuals, erythropoiesis ensures all tissues are amply supplied with oxygen. In addition, blood loss due to injury leads to a drop in the physiological oxygen level that will cause erythropoiesis. Any defect in erythropoiesis leads to several physiological disorders, including thalassemia, anemia, and...
    Disorders of Erythrocytes01:27

    Disorders of Erythrocytes

    Disorders of erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), include a range of conditions affecting their number, shape, or function.
    Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
    A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
    On the other...
    Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis01:24

    Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis

    The cardiovascular system regulates the number of erythrocytes in the bloodstream to ensure optimal oxygen transport. It also prevents over-proliferation of these cells, which helps to maintain blood viscosity and flow rate.
    Several factors influence the erythrocyte production rate, with tissue oxygen level being among the most critical. Intense exercise or high altitudes can cause tissue hypoxia, which triggers the kidneys to release more erythropoietin (EPO) into the bloodstream.
    EPO then...