Thrombopoietin is ineffective in a mouse model of motor neuron disease.

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-beta1 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-beta1 but not VEGF. This treatment did not affect onset or survival in these mice. Although biologically active, demonstrated by increased platelet and TGF-beta1 levels, rmTPO did not attenuate disease progression in ALS mice.