MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -This process, termed erythropoiesis, is exquisitely regulated by an oxygen-sensing mechanism that has evolved to maintain RBC numbers within a narrow physiological range 1– 3. Central to this mechanism is erythropoietin (EPO), a cytokine secreted by the kidney in response to low blood oxygen tension.

Detailed explanation-2: -Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone that is produced predominantly by specialised cells called interstitial cells in the kidney. Once it is made, it acts on red blood cells to protect them against destruction. At the same time it stimulates stem cells of the bone marrow to increase the production of red blood cells.

Detailed explanation-3: -The hormone erythropoietin (Epo) maintains red blood cell mass by promoting the survival, proliferation and differentiation of erythrocytic progenitors. Circulating Epo originates mainly from fibroblasts in the renal cortex.

Detailed explanation-4: -Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone, naturally produced by the peritubular cells of the kidney, that stimulates red blood cell production.

Detailed explanation-5: -Erythropoiesis is regulated through a long-range negative feedback loop, whereby tissue hypoxia stimulates erythropoietin (Epo) secretion, which promotes an increase in erythropoietic rate.