The effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) on blood cells of adult and immature rats

Human recombinant erythropoietin is a synthetic hormone for treatment of some kinds of anemia. In this study, the effect of this hormone was investigated on blood cell changes in adult and immature rats. For this purpose, the hormone was administered at doses of 50, 100, and 200 IU/Kg (s.c.) twice a week for a period of 6 weeks. Then, the number of red blood cells (RBC), subtypes of white blood cells (WBC), and platelets were counted using H1 counter. For statistical analysis, ANOVA (followed by Tukey post-hoc test) and paired student's t-test were used. The results showed that the number of RBC increases by 15 % as the dose of the hormone increases in both groups of rats. In addition, number of WBC decreased by 10 % at doses of 50 and l00 IU/Kg of the hormone. There was also a decrease in the number of neutrophils (25 %), lymphocytes (16.65 %), and basophils (30 %), and an increase in the number of eosinophil (50 %). Furthermore, number of monocytes and platelets decreased (10%) as the dose of the hormone increased. These results were alike for both groups of the rats irrespective of their age. The effect of rHuEpo is probably mediated through its stimulatory receptors on the surface of hematopoietic stem cells. Meanwhile, it is also possible that this hormone could inhibit the synthesis of neutrophil growth factors, interleukins with stimulatory effect on RBC maturation, and platelet-stimulatory factors.