The production of prostaglandins with an erythropoietin generating factor(s)

Abstract Thin-layer chromatography of ERFs extracts indicates components in ERFs, after treatment by a bioconversion technique which converts linoleic and/or arachidonic acids to prostaglandins, with the same mobility as prostaglandins E 2 and A 2 . Linoleic acid can be detected in ERFs prior to bioconversion. PGE 1 and PGE 2 potentiate erythropoiesis to about the same extent as PGF 2α (found in erythropoiesis inhibitory fractions, EIF) inhibits erythropoiesis. The inhibition produced by PGF 2α can be prevented with a neutralizing antiserum to EIF. Our data suggest that fatty acids and prostaglandins are part of the pathway for the production of erythropoietin by an enzyme and reduced glutathione.