Erythropoietin (EPO / rhEPO, Epoetin Alfa)

Note: EPO is a glycosylated protein hormone, often categorized alongside research peptides.

1. Basic Overview

• Full Name: Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rhEPO / Epoetin Alfa)
• Endogenous Origin: Primarily synthesized in renal interstitial fibroblasts under hypoxic conditions
• Form: Lyophilized white/off-white crystalline powder
• Common Research Unit: IU (International Units)
• Core Feature: Primary regulator of erythropoiesis. Binds EPO receptors on bone marrow erythroid progenitor cells to stimulate red blood cell maturation. Exhibits secondary anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects in preclinical tissue injury models.

2. Mechanism of Action

1. Hematopoietic Pathway (Primary Effect)

   EPO binds EPOR on erythroid precursor cells in bone marrow. Activates JAK2/STAT5, PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways to promote cell survival, proliferation and differentiation, elevating hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.

2. Non-Hematopoietic Tissue Protection

   EPOR is widely expressed in brain, heart, kidney, retina and vascular endothelium. EPO reduces oxidative stress, inhibits caspase-mediated apoptosis and suppresses NF-κB inflammatory cascades in ischemia/reperfusion injury models.

3. Oxygen Homeostasis Feedback

   Tissue hypoxia upregulates endogenous EPO expression; elevated red cell mass improves oxygen transport and suppresses further EPO production via negative feedback.

3. Main Research Applications

• Preclinical anemia models (chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy-induced anemia, hemorrhage)
• Cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury, stroke neuroprotection research
• Myocardial infarction, cardiac ischemia reperfusion protection experiments
• Retinal hypoxia and degenerative eye disease studies
• Exercise physiology, oxygen transport and endurance animal trials
• Hematopoietic stem cell biology research

4. Reconstitution Instructions

1. Allow lyophilized vial to reach room temperature; sanitize rubber stopper with alcohol.
2. Slowly inject solvent along the inner glass wall to avoid protein denaturation and foaming.
3. Gently swirl to dissolve powder. DO NOT shake vigorously or vortex.
4. Qualified solution: clear colorless liquid. Discard if turbidity, flocculation or precipitation occurs.

Example: 5,000 IU lyophilized EPO + 1 mL BAC Water = 5,000 IU / mL concentration

Storage Protocol

• Unreconstituted lyophilized powder: −20°C, protected from light; stable for up to 24 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
• Reconstituted solution: Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 14–21 days. DO NOT FREEZE reconstituted EPO (freezing triggers protein aggregation and irreversible loss of activity).

5. Preclinical Research Administration Protocols

Animal Dosage Reference (for experimental design only)

• Low tissue-protective dose: 50–150 IU/kg body weight
• Standard hematopoietic dose: 300–1000 IU/kg body weight
• Frequency: 2–3 times weekly; typical experimental cycle: 14–28 days
• Monitoring indicators: Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), serum EPO concentration

Pharmacokinetics reminder: SC injection yields slower absorption and longer duration than IV injection.

6. Critical Precautions

1. Strictly for laboratory experimental purposes. Not for human administration.
2. Excessive dosing causes polycythemia: elevated blood viscosity, hypertension, increased risk of thrombosis, myocardial infarction and stroke.
3. Avoid concurrent use with other erythropoietic stimulating agents.
4. Monitor hematological parameters regularly during chronic animal studies. Cease administration if hematocrit rises excessively.
5. EPO is photosensitive; minimize exposure to strong light during handling and storage.
6. Aseptic technique is mandatory during all reconstitution and injection procedures.

Short Version (For Product Listing / Customer Message)

Erythropoietin (EPO / rhEPO)

Reconstitution Tips