The effect of erythropoietin on calcium levels during hypoxia reoxygenation injury in rats

This experimental study examined the effect of erythropoietin (Epo) on rat model and particularly in a hypoxia-reoxygenation protocol. The effect of that molecule was studied biochemically using blood mean calcium levels (Ca⁺⁺). Forty rats of mean weight 247.7 g were used in the study. Ca⁺⁺ levels were measured at 60 min (groups A and C) and at 120 min (groups B and D) of reoxygenation. Erythropoietin was administered only in groups C and D. Epo administration non-significantly decreased the Ca⁺⁺ levels by 0.56%±1.13% (P=0.5761). Reoxygenation time non-significantly increased the Ca⁺⁺ levels by 0.65%±1.12% (P=0.5281). However, Epo administration and reoxygenation time together non-significantly decreased the Ca⁺⁺ levels by 0.34%±0.68% (P=0.6095). Epo administration whether it interacted or not with reoxygenation time had non-significant decreasing short-term effects on calcium levels. Perhaps, a longer study time than 2 h or a higher Epo dose may reveal more significant effects.