Description
Erythropoietin or EPO is a glycoprotein hormone that controls erythropoiesis, or red blood cell production. It is a cytokine for erythrocyte (red blood cell) precursors in the bone marrow. Also called hematopoietin or hemopoietin, it is produced by the kidney, and is the hormone that regulates red blood cell production. Erythropoietin has its primary effect on red blood cells by promoting red blood cell survival through protecting these cells from apoptosis