Thrombopoietin: the novel hepatic hormone.
The glycoprotein thrombopoietin (TPO) is the major stimulator of megakaryopoiesis and platelet production. Hepatocytes express TPO mRNA at a constant rate. The plasma TPO level is inversely correlated to the mass of megakaryocytes and platelets, which degrade the hormone following its binding to specific membrane receptors.
Wolber
Eva-Maria
EM
Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Luebeck, D-23538 Luebeck, Germany.
Jelkmann
Wolfgang
W
D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000502:physiology*; D008967:Molecular Biology; D013926:Thrombopoietin / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins; D013926:Thrombopoietin