Erythropoiesis

Erythropoiesis is the process which produces red blood cells (erythrocytes). It is stimulated by decreased oxygen in circulation, which is detected by the kidneys, which then secrete the hormone erythropoietin. This hormone stimulates production of erythrocytes in the bone marrow.

Process of Erythropoiesis

Erythropoiesis begins with a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) in the bone marrow. The HSC differentiates into a proerythroblast, which then undergoes several stages of development to become a mature red blood cell. This process includes the synthesis of hemoglobin and the formation of the cell membrane.

The stages of erythropoiesis are:

1. Hematopoietic stem cell
2. Proerythroblast
3. Basophilic erythroblast
4. Polychromatophilic erythroblast
5. Orthochromatic erythroblast
6. Reticulocyte
7. Mature red blood cell

Regulation of Erythropoiesis

The production of red blood cells is regulated by the hormone erythropoietin, which is produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood. This is known as the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

When oxygen levels are low, the kidneys produce and release more erythropoietin. This stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. As the new red blood cells enter circulation, they increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, and oxygen levels rise.

Disorders of Erythropoiesis

Disorders of erythropoiesis can lead to anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to tissues. This can be caused by a lack of erythropoietin, problems with the bone marrow, or other factors.

Polycythemia is a condition in which the body produces too many red blood cells. This can be caused by an overproduction of erythropoietin, or by other factors.

See Also

• Hematopoiesis
• Erythropoietin
• Anemia
• Polycythemia

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