Erythropoiesis

ERYTHROPOIESIS is responsible for the maintenance of a level of circulating red cells or hemoglobin optimal for oxygen transport. Any decrease in blood oxygen concentration normally results in an increased production of red cells until the deficit is corrected. There are three components essential to this response: appropriate stimulation of the erythroid marrow by erythropoietin; an adequate substrate supply of iron to meet production needs; and a normal functioning erythroid generating tissue.ErythropoietinThe regulating center for erythropoiesis is located largely, although not exclusively, in the kidney. Renal output of the marrow-stimulating hormone, erythropoietin, varies according to both the oxygen . . .