Abstract

Endogenous Epo is synthesized in the kidney (Ratcliffe et al., 1990), in response to a hypoxic stimulus (Kurtz et al., 1988). It acts on the bone marrow to increase the rate of proliferation and differentiation of erythroid stem cells (Gregory & Eaves, 1977). Hence, there is a delay of approximately one day between stimulation and the increase in Hb synthesis and 4-8 days before reticulocytes (slightly immature RBC) appear in the circulation (Filmanowicz & Gurney, 1961). In an effort to achieve the ergogenic effects of raised arterial O2 content on endurance performance in a more ethical manner, various manipulations of hypoxic exposure and exercise have been utilized to elicit an increase in Epo synthesis. However, the results of such studies are inconclusive, as are those examining the efficacy of increased circulating Epo levels. Einleitung gekürzt