From the Guidelines
Thrombopoietin is primarily produced in the liver, as well as in the bone marrow and the kidney. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating the production of platelets in the body, with the liver being the main site of production, releasing thrombopoietin into the bloodstream where it travels to the bone marrow to stimulate the development and maturation of megakaryocytes, which are the cells that produce platelets 1. The production of thrombopoietin in these locations is significant because it allows for a steady, controlled release of the hormone, maintaining consistent platelet levels in the blood. Some key points to consider about thrombopoietin production include:
- The liver is the primary site of thrombopoietin production
- The bone marrow and kidney also produce thrombopoietin, although to a lesser extent
- Thrombopoietin regulates platelet production by stimulating the development and maturation of megakaryocytes in the bone marrow 1. The localization of thrombopoietin production in the liver, bone marrow, and kidney is crucial for maintaining consistent platelet levels in the blood, and any disruption to this process can have significant consequences for the body's ability to regulate blood clotting and prevent bleeding or thrombosis.
From the Research
Production of Thrombopoietin (TPO)
- Thrombopoietin (TPO) is produced predominantly in the liver 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- The liver is the primary site of TPO production, accounting for approximately 95.3% of total TPO mRNA production in human fetuses and neonates 5
- Other sites of TPO production include the kidneys and spleen, although to a lesser extent 4, 5, 6
- TPO production in the liver is constitutive, meaning it is not significantly influenced by external signals such as platelet count 6
- The spleen may contribute to TPO production during fetal life 5
- TPO mRNA is also expressed in fetal bone marrow, although the liver remains the primary site of production 5