ERYTHROPOIETIN KINETICS IN NORMAL AND UREMIC SHEEP

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 105  (6) , 659-663
Abstract
Homologous erythropoietin (Ep)-rich plasma was infused into sheep to determine the kinetics of this hormone in a large animal model. Ep levels after infusion were measured by radioimmunoasasy using a sheep standard. Twenty-seven infusions into normal (14), subtotally nephrectomized (11), and anephric (2) animals were analyzed according to a singe-compartment model. The volume of distribution was also calculated, and compared with values obtained indirectly from measurement of 51Cr-labeled red blood cells. The t1/2 [half-time] of the infused hormone was .apprx. 9 h and was independent of renal function. After multiple infusions, the t1/2 appeared to shorten. The volume of distribution for this hormone corresponded to the plasma volume of the animals. Ep, if administered to patients with chronic renal failure, could be given infrequently with little dependence on renal function.