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Erythropoietin Neuroprotection in the Retina

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Erythropoietin and the Nervous System

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Abstract

The cytokine erythropoietin (EPO) regulates production of red blood cells in an oxygen-dependent manner by inhibition of apoptosis of erythrocyte precursors in the bone marrow. EPO and EPO receptor protein are also expressed by CNS neurons and glial cells. EPO exerts neuroprotective effects in various experimental in vitro and in vivo models of neural injury, such as mechanical trauma, neuroinflammation, and cerebral and retinal ischemia. In this chapter, we will focus on the effects of EPO on lesioned retinal neurons, and discuss its potential value for treatment of retinal diseases. We will also summarize recent data regarding EPO signal transduction that underlies neuroprotection in retinal neuronal cell death models, including optic nerve transection or retinal ischemia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Neurological Medicine, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany

    Gundula Rohde, Mathias Bähr & Jochen H. Weishaupt

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  1. Gundula Rohde
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  2. Mathias Bähr
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  3. Jochen H. Weishaupt
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, USA

    Ahmet Höke M.D., Ph.D. (Associate Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience) (Associate Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience)

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Rohde, G., Bähr, M., Weishaupt, J.H. (2006). Erythropoietin Neuroprotection in the Retina. In: Höke, A. (eds) Erythropoietin and the Nervous System. Springer, Boston, MA . https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-30011-5_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-30011-5_7

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