Platelet production is primarily regulated by the thrombopoietic cytokine t
hrombopoietin (TPO), In most cases thrombopoietin serum levels are determin
ed by the rate of c-mpl receptor-mediated degradation after TPO uptake into
platelets and megakaryocytes. The contribution of increased TPO protein sy
nthesis by a translational mechanism was recently appreciated as the cause
for hereditary thrombocythemia and will have to be elucidated in other cond
itions of thrombocytosis in association with increased TPO levels. (C) 2000
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.