Serum EPO concentration, hematocrit and red blood cell count

Serum EPO concentration, hematocrit and red blood cell (RBC) count in animals at 24 h, 48 h and 5 d after pHx and daily administration of EPO at a dose of either 5000 IU/kg bw or 500 IU/kg bw. Control animals received equivalent volumes of physiologic saline (Con). For determination of physiological baseline values blood samples were obtained from non-resected, untreated rats (baseline). Data are given as means±SEM; Mann-Whitney rank sum test, * P<0.05 vs Con at the respective time point and EPO dose.