Erythropoietin: a novel neuroprotective cytokine.
Erythropoietin (Epo), the principal regulator of erythroids progenitor cells, greatly improves neuronal survival. A wide variety of experimental studies have shown that both Epo and the EpoR are functionally expressed in the nervous system and that this cytokine exerts a remarkable neuroprotection both in vitro against different neurotoxicants and in animal models of nervous system disorders. Aim of this review is to summarize the neuroprotective properties of Epo and to outline the molecular mechanisms involved in order to point out the signal transduction pathway which may represent the potential basis for future strategies against neuronal injury.
Bartesaghi
Stefano
S
Laboratory of Toxicology and Centre of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy.
Marinovich
Marina
M
Corsini
Emanuela
E
Galli
Corrado L
CL
Viviani
Barbara
B
D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D016207:Cytokines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000633:toxicity; D017467:Receptors, Erythropoietin / Q000187:drug effects; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
D016207:Cytokines; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D009498:Neurotoxins; D017467:Receptors, Erythropoietin; D004921:Erythropoietin