Modification of reticulocyte count and distribution of degree of maturity by erythropoietin in the rat

By means of an automatic system for reticulocyte analysis (Auras) the effect of administering 50 IU of intraperitoneal erythropoietin on the number of reticulocytes and the distribution of the maturation degree of reticulocytes was investigated on Wistar rats for 28 days. A single administration of erythropoietin will lead to a rapid increase in the absolute number of reticulocytes and to changes in the distribution of the maturation degree within the first five days. The maximum of the reticulocyte number can be observed on the third to fourth day after application. Even on the second day after administering erythropoietin the measuring numbers of the distribution of maturation degree indicate maximal changes, the distribution quotient being particularly evident.