Pharmacodynamic analysis of time-variant cellular disposition: reticulocyte disposition changes in phlebotomized sheep.

Most pharmacodynamic (PD) models of cellular response assume a time-invariant (i.e., constant) cellular disposition despite known changes in the disposition with time, such as the reticulocyte residence time in the systemic circulation during stress erythropoiesis. To account for changes in cellular disposition, a comprehensive PD model that involves endogenous erythropoietin (Epo), reticulocytes, and hemoglobin responses was developed in phlebotomized sheep that considers a time-variant reticulocyte residence time and allows for the simultaneous determination of changes in the cellular disposition and cellular production. Five sheep were phlebotomized to hemoglobin concentrations of approximately 4 g/dl. Epo concentrations, reticulocytes, and hemoglobin concentrations were frequently sampled for 5-7 days prior to and 25-30 days following the phlebotomy. Initial steady-state conditions were assumed and the time-variant reticulocyte residence time in the systemic circulation was semiparametrically represented using a constrained spline function. Hemoglobin production was modeled using a Hill function via an effect site compartment. The initial steady state reticulocyte residence time in the systemic circulation was estimated as 0.477 (0.100) (mean (SD)) days, which maximally increased 2.01- to 2.64-fold higher than the initial steady-state residence time 5.95 (0.899) days post-phlebotomy (P < 0.01). On average, the residence time returned to steady-state values 15.4 (2.36) days post-phlebotomy, which was not significantly different from the initial steady-state value (P > 0.05). The baseline hemoglobin production rate was estimated at 0.0929 (0.0472) g/kg/day and the maximum production rate under stress phlebotomy was estimated at 0.504 (0.0422) g/kg/day. These data indicate that endogenously released Epo under acute anemic conditions can increase hemoglobin production approximately 5-fold. The determined increase in reticulocyte residence time produced under stress erythropoiesis is similar to the commonly reported 2- to 3-fold increase observed in human patients.