Protection and enhancement of erythropoietin-responsive cells, tissues and organs

Abstract

Methods and compositions are provided for protecting or enhancing erythropoietin-responsive cell, tissue, organ and bodily part function and viability in vivo, in situ or ex vivo in mammals including human beings by systemic or local administration of an erythropoietin receptor activity modulator, such as an erythropoietin.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for protecting, maintaining or enhancing the viability or function of a cell, tissue or organ in a human being, said cell, tissue or organ comprising an erythropoietin-responsive cell or tissue, said cell, tissue or organ being separated from a vasculature in said human being by an endothelial cell barrier, said method comprising administering to said vasculature an amount of human asialoerythropoietin for a duration effective to translocate, said endothelial cell barrier and protect, maintain or enhance said viability or function of said cell, tissue or organ.