Neuron-selective erythropoietin (Epo) overexpression protects against transient focal ischemia and retinal ganglion cell axotomy in mice – role of Akt, Erk-1/2 and Jnk signaling

Background: It has previously been demonstrated that erythropoietin (Epo) protects against focal brain ischemia. Thus, clinical trials in human stroke patients have recently been initiated, which are currently performed. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanisms of action of Epo in vivo are still poorly understood. In order to elucidate this issue, transgenic mice overexpressing Epo in the central nervous system but not the rest of the body have recently been produced (so-called tg21 mice). We here examined the effects of Epo overexpression on neuronal injury after transient focal ischemia and retinal ganglion ce…