Blunted erythropoietin production and decreased erythropoiesis in early pregnancy.

in Blood (1991), 78(1), 89-93

After decreasing in the first trimester of pregnancy, the total red blood cell mass increases in the second and third trimesters to peak at term at about 120% to 125% of nonpregnant values, but how this ... [more ▼]

After decreasing in the first trimester of pregnancy, the total red blood cell mass increases in the second and third trimesters to peak at term at about 120% to 125% of nonpregnant values, but how this is brought about by changes in the rate of erythropoiesis is not known. We evaluated erythropoiesis by measuring serum transferrin receptor (TfR) levels in 406 women during normal pregnancy (N = 317), at delivery (N = 63), or in the early postpartum (N = 27). Despite the presence of the placenta and the frequent occurrence of iron deficiency, TfR levels remained low in the first two trimesters and increased in the third trimester and at delivery. To explain why erythropoiesic activity was relatively low in early pregnancy, we also measured serum immunoreactive erythropoietin (Epo) in relation to the degree of anemia. There was a very strong correlation between serum TfR and Epo levels in the entire group (r = .59, P less than .0001) as well as in each period of pregnancy. Epo levels remained low for the degree of anemia and did not correlate with hematocrit in the first two trimesters, but recovered afterwards. In the early postpartum, Epo production and erythropoiesis were normal. We conclude that: (1) erythropoiesis is decreased in the first part of pregnancy but increases afterwards; and (2) blunted Epo production in early pregnancy could be responsible for that observation. [less ▲]

Intact transferrin receptors in human plasma and their relation to erythropoiesis.

in Blood (1990), 75(1), 102-7

Intact transferrin receptor molecules complexed with transferrin were found in human plasma. The concentration of receptors was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that uses polyclonal ... [more ▼]

Intact transferrin receptor molecules complexed with transferrin were found in human plasma. The concentration of receptors was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that uses polyclonal antibodies. The mean concentration of 8,279 micrograms/L in 56 normal adults appears to be unrelated to age or sex. Additional receptor measurements were performed on plasmas from 260 subjects with erythropoietic disorders. Decreased concentration of plasma receptors was found in patients with erythroid hypoplasia and increased numbers in those with erythroid hyperplasia. Ferrokinetic measurements of erythropoiesis were compared with numbers of receptors in 148 subjects, and a close correlation was found (r = .86). Both sets of values, measured in different conditions and expressed in relation to normal, were consistent with expected values. Receptor values were unproportionally increased only in conditions of iron deficiency. It is concluded that plasma receptors have a constant relationship to tissue receptors, and their number in most instances reflects the rate of erythropoiesis. [less ▲]

Some properties of marrow derived adherent cells in tissue culture.

in Blood (1980), 56(6), 1006-12

It has previously been shown that monolayer cultures derived adherent cells (MDAC), apparently consisting of fibroblasts, macrophages, epithelioid cells, and fat cells, can support long-term stem cell ... [more ▼]

It has previously been shown that monolayer cultures derived adherent cells (MDAC), apparently consisting of fibroblasts, macrophages, epithelioid cells, and fat cells, can support long-term stem cell proliferation in vitro. In the present study, the hematopoietic support capability of murine MDAC monolayers was confirmed and the cultured cells further characterized with respect to the following properties: esterase I activity, complement (C3) receptors, IgG (Fc) receptors, colony stimulating activity (csa) production, and collagen synthesis. The cultures were also examined immunohistochemically to localize fibronectin, laminin, and collagen synthesis and to identify the collagen subtypes synthesized. MDAC morphology was as described in previous studies, although fat cells were few in number. It was found that MDAC included some cells with esterase I activity and C3 receptors. Fc receptors were not, however, detected, nor did the cultures produce csa, indicating that mononuclear phagocytes were not present. MDAC synthesized collagen types I and III and also fibronectin. Staining for epithelial basement membrane proteins (collagen types IV and V and laminin) was negative. The results indicate that the vast majority of these cultured MDAC were fibroblasts. [less ▲]