FIG 2.

Overexpression of the Epo gene in livers lacking PHD isoforms. (A) Epo mRNA expression levels in the livers of PHD mutant mice at 8 to 12 weeks of age. The average expression level of control mice was set as 1.0 after normalization to β-actin mRNA levels. The data are means ± SD (n = 3 for each group). *, P < 0.01 compared to the levels in the control mice. (B) Splenic hypertrophy in liver-specific PHD-deficient mice. Wet weights of spleens from the PHD mutant mice (7 to 9 weeks of age) were measured. The values are means and SD (n = 3 for each group). *, P < 0.01 compared to the weights of control mouse spleens. (C) Spleens from the PHD mutant mice were enlarged at 8 weeks of age. (D) EpoR mRNA levels in the spleens and bone marrow of control and P13-LKO mice. The average expression level in control mouse spleens was set as 1.0 after normalization to β-actin mRNA levels. The data are means and SD (n = 3 for each group). (E) Representative data from flow cytometry with CD71 and Ter119 antibodies in mononucleated cells from spleens of control and P13-LKO mice. The percentages of cells found within the circles are shown. (F) Changes in the hematocrit levels of the PHD mutant mice before (Pre) and after phlebotomy. The hematocrit levels in mice at 12 weeks of age were decreased to approximately 30% by phlebotomy. Note that the hematocrit levels of PHD mutant mice returned to polycythemic levels within 3 weeks after phlebotomy.