Effects of recombinant human erythropoietin pretreatment on anti HLA antibody titer: a preclinical experience in rats

ABSTRACT

Erythropoietin [EPO] was first known as a factor for red blood cell proliferation and differentiation. New studies show the effects of EPO on immune system. In this study, the effects of pretreatment with recombinant human erythropoietin [rHuEPO] on the anti-human leukocyte antibody [anti-HLA] titer were determined. Three groups of rats were sensitized with human lymphocytes. Two of the groups were given 20 or 100 IU/Kg rHuEPO after two sensitizations with human lymphocytes. Control group did not receive rHuEPO. Microlymphocytotoxicity method was used to detect anti-HLA antibodies. Treatment with rHuEPO caused a significant decline in anti-HLA antibody titer compared to control group. Also, pretreatment with rHuEPO suppressed antibody response after repeated antigenic stimulation. Such results could be due to the effects of rHuEPO on the number or the activity of the B and the T cells. Moreover, the dose of rHuEPO and the length of treatment might affect anti-HLA antibody titer