Description
EPO is predominantly synthesized and secreted by tubular and juxtatubular capillary endothelial and interstitial cells of the kidney. Approximately 10-15 % of the total amount of Epo comes from extrarenal sources and is predominantly produced by hepatocytes and Kupffer cells of the liver. Approximately 40 % of the molecular mass of Epo is due to its glycosylation. Glycosylation is an important factor determining the pharmacokinetic behavior of Epo in vivo. Non- glycosylated Epo has an extremely short biological half life. It still binds to its receptor and may even have a higher specific activity in vitro