Expression pattern of the thrombopoietin receptor (TpoR) in the developing and adult central nervous system

Background: Thrombopoietin (Tpo) is the primary regulator of megakaryopoiesis and platelet production. As other hematopoietic growth factors like erythropoietin (Epo), Tpo is also expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). Although initial studies suggested a neurotrophic and/or neuroprotective function of Tpo in the CNS, recent data indicate its proapoptotic effect on neuronal cells. We have reported increased Tpo concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid in about 40% of neonates with sepsis/meningitis or posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. To understand a role of Tpo in the CNS, the expression pattern of its re…