Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone primarily produced by specialized interstitial cells in the peritubular capillary bed of the kidney (and to a lesser extent, the liver). Its release is primarily triggered by tissue hypoxia, which is a state of low oxygen levels. This hypoxia is most commonly detected in the kidneys when there is reduced oxygen delivery, such as in anemia (low red blood cell count), high altitude (low atmospheric oxygen), or conditions that impair blood flow to the kidneys. Hypoxia activates hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) in kidney cells, which in turn stimulate the transcription of the EPO gene. The released EPO then travels via the bloodstream to the bone marrow, where it stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of red blood cell precursors, ultimately increasing the red blood cell count and improving the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.

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Zambia

• Joseph Soko – 101 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
• Positive and Negative Symptoms
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Emergency: Environmental Emergencies