In vivo treatment with erythroid differentiation factor (EDF/activin A) increases erythroid precursors (CFU-E and BFU-E) in mice.

The in vivo effect of human EDF on erythroid precursors (CFU-E and BFU-E) was investigated in normal and bled mice. In anemic (bled) mice, EDF treatment led to significant dose-dependent rises in the CFU-E and BFU-E levels of bone marrow. An elevation in the level of CFU-E was also seen in the spleen. In normal mice, a significant elevation in the level of bone marrow BFU-E was observed. Thus, EDF has an effect on erythropoiesis in anemic and normal mice in vivo.