CHANGES IN ERYTHROPOIESIS AND RENAL ULTRASTRUCTURE DURING EXPOSURE OF MICE TO HYPOXIA

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 4  (6) , 365-381
Abstract
During hypoxia, elevated ESF [erythropoiesis stimulating factor] levels occur which are accompanied by increased erythropoietic activity resulting in progressive elevation of the Hb and hematocrit concentration. An attempt was made to correlate ultrastructural changes in the kidney with changes in serum ESF concentrations and the erythropoietic state of mice exposed to continuous hypoxia for 3 wk. A series of changes in the epitheloid and proximal tubule cells occurred which may be related to the biogenesis of erythropoietin. No detectable ESF or renal erythropoietic factor could be extracted from the kidneys at the time of maximal ultrastructural changes. Although some ESF-inhibitory material was demonstrated, it could not be extracted into lipid solvents. The failure to consistently extract an erythropoietic factor from the kidney of hypoxic mice may be related to the absence of renal storage at the onset of increased peripheral demand. Other levels and durations of hypoxia may help to elucidate the role of the kidneys in regulating serum ESF levels.