Neuroprotective properties and mechanisms of erythropoietin in in vitro and in vivo experimental models for hypoxia/ischemia.
Besides its established function in erythropoiesis, erythropoietin (EPO) is currently also appreciated for its neuroprotective effects. The detrimental sequelae of prolonged cerebral hypoxia and ischemia have been shown to attenuate by EPO treatment. After binding to the EPO receptor, EPO is capable of initiating a cascade of events which--via different pathways--may lead to neuroprotection. The circumstances that determine which specific signalling route(s) are activated by EPO are largely unknown. We aim to provide the reader with a timely overview on the use of EPO in models of stroke and hypoxia-ischemia and to discuss the molecular events that underlie its neuroprotection.
Laboratory for Psychoneuroimmunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Michael A
MA
van der Kooij
Floris
F
Groenendaal
Annemieke
A
Kavelaars
Cobi J
CJ
Heijnen
Frank
F
van Bel
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D020925:Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D004921:Erythropoietin