Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Isfahan University, Isfahan
2 Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan,
3 Immunogenetics Lab., Ali Asghar hospital, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Background: Erythropoietin (EPO) was first known as a factor for red blood cell proliferation and differentiation. New studies show the effects of EPO on immune system.
Objective: In this study, the effects of pretreatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) on the anti-human leukocyte antibody (anti-HLA) titer were determined.
Methods: Three groups of rats were sensitized with human lymphocytes. Two of the groups were given 20 or 100 IU/Kg rHuEPO after two sensitizations with human lymphocytes. Control group did not receive rHuEPO. Microlymphocytotoxicity method was used to detect anti-HLA antibodies.
Results: Treatment with rHuEPO caused a significant decline in anti-HLA antibody titer compared to control group. Also, pretreatment with rHuEPO suppressed antibody response after repeated antigenic stimulation.
Conclusion: Such results could be due to the effects of rHuEPO on the number or the activity of the B and the T cells. Moreover, the dose of rHuEPO and the length of treatment might affect anti-HLA antibody titer.
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