Effects of erythropoietin in skin wound healing are dose related

FASEB J. 2009 Sep;23(9):3049-58. doi: 10.1096/fj.08-109991. Epub 2009 Apr 27.

Abstract

The hematopoietic growth factor erythropoietin (EPO) attracts attention due to its all-tissue-protective pleiotropic properties. We studied the effect of EPO on dermal regeneration using intravital microscopy in a model of full dermal thickness wounds in the skin-fold chamber of hairless mice. Animals received repetitive low doses or high doses of EPO (RLD-EPO or RHD-EPO) or a single high dose of EPO (SHD-EPO). SHD-EPO accelerated wound epithelialization, reduced wound cellularity, and induced maturation of newly formed microvascular networks. In contrast, RHD-EPO impaired the healing process, as indicated by delayed epithelialization, high wound cellularity, and lack of maturation of microvascular networks. Also, RHD-EPO caused an excessive erythrocyte mass and rheological malfunction, further deteriorating vessel and tissue maturation. Moreover, RHD-EPO altered fibroblast and keratinocyte migration in vitro, while both cell types exposed to RLD-EPO, and, in particular, to SHD-EPO showed accelerated wound scratch closure. In summary, our data show that a single application of a high dose of EPO accelerates and improves skin wound healing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology
  • Epithelial Cells / drug effects
  • Erythropoietin / administration & dosage
  • Erythropoietin / pharmacology*
  • Mice
  • Microcirculation
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / drug effects
  • Skin / blood supply
  • Skin / injuries*
  • Skin Physiological Phenomena
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*

Substances

  • Erythropoietin