Mechanism of anemia associated with autonomic dysfunction in rats

The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of anemia associated w ith autonomic dysfunction in rats. Using 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-treated sympathectomized rats, changes in systolic blood pressure, plasma catechol amine levels, hemograms, erythropoietin (EPO) secretion, and beta-adrenergi c receptors on erythrocytes were monitored, and compared with desipramine- and 6-OHDA-treated, and control rats. In 6-OHDA-treated rats, systolic bloo d pressure and plasma catecholamine levels significantly decreased from 7 d ays after 6-OHDA administration, returning to the control values on day 28. Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct) and red blood cell (RBC) levels signific antly decreased from day 14 to day 28, and reached normal values after day 35, but neither corpuscular constants nor white blood cell (WBC) levels cha nged after anemia occurred. Administration of desipramine 1 day before 6-OH DA injection prevented anemia. EPO levels did not elevate, even after blood letting to load anemia, and the EPO circadian rhythm was irregular in 6-OHD A-treated rats. beta-adrenergic receptors measured using I-125-cyanopindolo l (CYP) significantly decreased from day 7 to day 28, and reached normal va lues after day 35. These results suggest that irregular EPO secretion via d isordered autonomic nerves may induce anemia in patients with autonomic dis orders. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.