THROMBOPOIETIN AND THE CONTROL OF PLATELET PRODUCTION

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 21  (2) , 209-218
Abstract
Under normal conditions the circulating platelet mass is remarkably constant, which suggests that a negative feedback mechanism is involved in the control of thrombocytopoiesis. Plasma or serum from thrombocytopenic animals or humans stimulated platelet production when injected into laboratory animals, suggesting that it contained a thrombopoietin(s). During the past decade, the biochemistry and physiology of thrombopoietin have been studied. It is not well established that thrombopoietin is a glycoprotein produced, at least in part, by the kidney. Particular attention may be directed to its mechanism of action.