International Journal of Cell Cloning, Vol 7, 139-155, Copyright © 1989 by AlphaMed Press
The regulation of megakaryocyte and platelet production
TP McDonald
University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville 37901- 1071.
Thrombopoietin, a hormone that regulates blood platelet production, is now
recognized to be an important in vivo hematopoietic stimulator. In this
concise review, the background on thrombopoietin, development of assays,
and identification of sources of the hormone are summarized, along with
brief descriptions of other controlling factors, sites of thrombopoietin
production, results of producing antibodies against the factor, sites of
action of thrombopoietin both in vitro and in vivo, and its effect on blood
platelet production. Suitable assays and stable sources of thrombopoietin
have now been identified and their development will permit production of
recombinant material. Once the gene is cloned, it is expected that
recombinant thrombopoietin will be invaluable for treating patients with
several platelet production problems.
