Modulation of in vitro erythropoiesis. The influence of beta-adrenergic agonists on erythroid colony formation.

Canine marrow erythroid colony growth is enhanced by agents linked to the adenyl cyclase/cyclic AMP (cAMP) system, including cAMP, a phosphodieterase inhibitor (RO-20-1724), cholera enterotoxin, and beta-adrenergic agonists. The adrenergic effect is mediated by receptors having beta2-subspecificity. These receptors are distinct from putative receptors for erythropoietin and those acted upon by cholera enterotoxin. In addition, the population of cells most responsive to beta-agonists is distinct from the majority of erythropoientin-responsive cells, perhaps representing a subpopulation of this class of cell. This demonstration of an adenyl cyclase-linked mechanism regulating mammalian erythroid colony growth provides a model for the modulation by other hormones or small molecules of in vitro and, perhaps, in vivo erythropoiesis.