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. 2009 Oct 21:1:4.
doi: 10.1186/2040-7378-1-4.

Erythropoietin: a multimodal neuroprotective agent

Nadiya Byts  1 , Anna-Leena Sirén
Affiliations

Erythropoietin: a multimodal neuroprotective agent

Nadiya Byts et al. Exp Transl Stroke Med. .

Abstract

The tissue protective functions of the hematopoietic growth factor erythropoietin (EPO) are independent of its action on erythropoiesis. EPO and its receptors (EPOR) are expressed in multiple brain cells during brain development and upregulated in the adult brain after injury. Peripherally administered EPO crosses the blood-brain barrier and activates in the brain anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory signaling in neurons, glial and cerebrovascular endothelial cells and stimulates angiogenesis and neurogenesis. These mechanisms underlie its potent tissue protective effects in experimental models of stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disease. The preclinical data in support of the use of EPO in brain disease have already been translated to first clinical pilot studies with encouraging results with the use of EPO as a neuroprotective agent.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Multimodal neuroprotective profile of erythropoietin (EPO). BBB - blood brain barrier; EC - endothelial cells.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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