Erythropoietin and erythropoiesis in anemic man following androgens.

T hat androgenic hormones stimulate erythropoiesis in animals and man has been known for many years.1’2 The principle mechanism for this activity probably results from an increased production of erythropoietin since both serum and urine levels are elevated by androgens.35 Even when plasma erythropoietin content is high, as in most anemias, further enhancement may occur after administration of testosterone.#{176} In man, the relationship between androgen dose and erythropoietin response has not been clarified, and the degree of erythropoietin stimulation in anemic patients has not been compared with the effect in normal man. These problems were studied in order to define a more rational basis for the use of androgens in the treatment of patients with anemia due to bone marrow failure. This report correlates the urinary excretion of erythropoietin with changes in red cell volume in normal, hypogonadal, and anemic patients after different doses of androgenic hormones. Results suggested that further stimulation of erythropoietin production by a synergistic effect between androgens and anemia accounts for the increased erythropoiesis produced in some anemic patients by large doses of androgens.