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We have obtained transgenic mice in which an erythropoietin-SV40 virus T antigen fusion gene is homologously recombined into the native Epo locus. This gene is expressed in a tissue-specific manner closely resembling that of the native Epo gene. Immunohistochemical detection of SV40 T antigen has been used to characterize the hepatic cell populations expressing the transgene. In mice stimulated by anaemia or hypobaric hypoxia, SV40 T antigen was demonstrated in two liver cell populations: a subset of hepatocytes and a nonparenchymal cell type. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural characterization of these cells by light and electron microscopy showed the nonparenchymal cell type to be the Ito cells, which lie in a persinusoidal position within the space of Disse. We therefore conclude that Ito cells are the nonhepatocytic source of liver Epo production. These cells show many similarities to the Epo-producing fibroblastoid interstitial cells of the kidney.

Type

Journal article

Journal

Blood

Publication Date

15/09/1994

Volume

84

Pages

1823 - 1830

Keywords

Anemia, Animals, Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming, Erythropoietin, Gene Expression, Hypoxia, Immunohistochemistry, Liver, Mice, Mice, Transgenic, Microscopy, Immunoelectron, Organ Specificity, Phenotype, RNA, Messenger, Recombinant Fusion Proteins