Erythropoietin androgen effects

The effect of androgens is promoted by various metabolites in a very subtle manner, subject to significant developmental change. It is currently advocated that 5j8-reduced metabolites act directly on erythropoietic stem cells, whereas 5 -reduced derivatives enhance the level of erythropoietin. Interestingly, mutant mice with testicular feminization (TfmlY) actively maintain erythropoiesis, suggesting that androgenic effects on red cell formation are not mediated by conventional receptor mechanisms antiandrogens are either of variable or no influence. 

Androgens stimulate erythrocytosis and are effective in the treatment of certain anemias that are secondary to endocrine hypofunction or myeloid hypoplasia. In high dosages, these compounds in the past were used in the treatment of several forms of anemia. However recombinant erythropoietin has replaced the androgens as a more effective treatment of most forms of anemia. 

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