Erythropoietin and glial cells in central and peripheral nervous systems.

Abstract

Erythropoietin (EPO) is the main hematopoietic growth factor prescribed to overcome anemia. It is also a neuroprotective agent. EPO binds to the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR), expressed on neurons and glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS), and exerts its neuroprotective potencies through the EPO-EPOR complex. The mechanism of the signal transduction pathways of EPO on glial cells is defined. EPO-EPOR complex can affect neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ischemia, retinal injury, stroke, hypoxia, trauma, and demyelinating diseases, through acting downstream signaling pathways. This review focuses on the roles of EPO in different types of glial cells (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and Schwann cells) and their relationships with signaling pathways. Information on the non-erythropoietic action of EPO and related signaling systems in connection with glial cells could enhance EPO treatment to restore different CNS disorders and propose new perspectives on the neuroprotective potential of EPO.