erythropoietin

American  

[ih-rith-roh-poi-i-tn, -poi-eet-n] / ɪˌrɪθ roʊˈpɔɪ ɪ tn, -pɔɪˈit n /

noun

1. Biochemistry. a hormone that stimulates production of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the bone marrow, released in response to low levels of oxygen in the tissues.

2. a synthetic form of this hormone, used as a performance-enhancing drug.

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erythropoietin British  

/ ɪˌrɪθrəʊpɔɪˈiːtɪn /

noun

1.  EPO.  a hormone, secreted by the kidney in response to low levels of oxygen in the tissues, that increases the rate of erythropoiesis. It has been used as a performance-enhancing drug for athletes and racehorses

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erythropoietin Scientific  

/ ĭ-rĭth′rō-poi-ē′tĭn /

1. A glycoprotein hormone, secreted mostly by the kidneys in adults and the liver in children, that stimulates stem cells in the bone marrow to produce red blood cells.

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Etymology

Origin of erythropoietin

First recorded in 1945–50; erythropoiet(ic) ( def. ) + -in ²

Example Sentences

Some researchers say xenon increases production of a protein called erythropoietin that fights hypoxia, a condition that occurs when the body can't get enough oxygen.

From BBC • May 21, 2025

Adults’ kidneys churn out erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates formation of new red blood cells, and the yolk sac appears to be the early embryo’s source for the substance.

From Science Magazine • Aug. 16, 2023

In mice and monkeys they showed7 that regular mRNA injections could boost production of erythropoietin, a hormone that is prescribed to treat some forms of anaemia.

From Nature • Jun. 2, 2015

During acclimatization, the low tissue levels of oxygen will cause the kidneys to produce greater amounts of the hormone erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of erythrocytes.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

For instance, erythropoietin is banned because it increases oxygen-rich red blood cells, but the use of special tents and rooms that mimic high altitudes that also increase red blood cell production is not.

From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2013