Thrombopoietin is ineffective in a mouse model of motor neuron disease

Abstract

This study assessed the therapeutic efficacy of thrombopoietin (TPO) in the mouse model of ALS using two treatment paradigms. TPO was administered either daily or in 13-day treatment cycles to SOD1-G93A mice. Quantitative analysis of platelet levels, VEGF and TGF-β1 trophic factors were assessed. The effect of TPO on disease progression was analyzed by behavioral analysis and clinical examination. TPO treatment increased levels of platelets and TGF-β1 but not VEGF. This treatment did not affect onset or survival in these mice. Although biologically active, demonstrated by increased platelet and TGF-β1 levels, rmTPO did not attenuate disease progression in ALS mice.

• Thrombopoietin
• ALS
• mouse model
• platelets
• growth factors