19 Erythropoietin a hormone produced in the kidneys is relea

19. Erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone produced by the kidneys, is released into the blood when blood oxygen levels are low. EPO stimulates the production of erythrocytes by red bone marrow. Predict the resulting EPO level in the blood and erythrocyte count of a person who has spent considerable time living at high altitudes, where atmospheric oxygen levels are reduced. A patient has been injured and is in need of a blood transfusion. When she arrives at the ER, doctors determine that she has type A blood. What antigens are present on her erythrocytes? What antibodies are present in her blood? What blood type(s) can she receive in her blood transfusion?

Solution

19. Epo is a glycoprotein, which stimulates red blood cells production.

It is produced primarily in the kidneys. During high altitude, endogenous epo levels rise rapidly peaking in first 48hours of altitude exposure.

An increase in red blood cells mass is measurable after 3-4weeks and further rincreases have been reported for upto 9months.

20. Type A blood group: in this type there is presence of antigen A on red cells and antibody B in there plasma.

Type A blood group can take blood from type A or O.