Pamela J. Kling, M.D.

6C Neonatology
202 S. Park Street
Madison, WI 53715
608-262-6561 or 608-267-5867
pkling@wisc.edu

Emphasis Group:
Human Nutrition

Principal Research Interest
Erythropoiesis, Iron Metabolism and Roles of Erythropoietin in Early Development

Research Summary:
Erythropoietin, the primary hormone regulating erythropoiesis, has recently been shown to play diverse biologic roles apart from its ability to stimulate red blood cell production. Because erythropoietin is a critical homeostatic hormone that is upregulated by tissue hypoxia, erythropoietin may play a role in maintaining gastrointestinal tract homeostasis and vascular regulation. We are examining this role of erythropoietin in early development. We are examining in vitro effects of erythropoietin on microvascular endothelial cell growth harvested from neonatal rat mesenteric vessels. It is unclear whether erythropoietin stimulates vasculogenesis independently through its signal transduction pathway, or whether it upregulates expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, which then stimulates vessel growth. Additionally we are examining the role of iron in the both erythropoietic and nonerythropoietic functions of erythropoietin in early development. In suckling rats, we are administering erythropoietin, altering iron status, and examining iron metabolism in key tissues.

Representative Publications

Lott DG, Zimmerman MB, Labbe_ RF, Kling PJ, Widness JA. Erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin ratios are elevated with prematurity and with fetal hypoxia. Pediatrics 2005:116;414-422

Kling PJ, Taing KM, Dvorak B, Woodward SS, Grille JG, Philipps AF. Insulin-like growth factor-I stimulates erythropoiesis when administered enterally. Growth Factors 2006:24;218-223.

Lesser KB, Schoel SB, Kling PJ. Elevated zinc protoporphyrin/heme ratios in umbilical cord blood after diabetic pregnancy. J Perinatol 2006:26;671-676.

Kleven KJ, Blohowiak SB, Kling PJ. Zinc protoporphyrin/heme ratios in large for gestation newborns. Neonatology 2007:92:91-95.

Kling PJ, Willeitner A, Dvorak B, Blohowiak SE. Milk-borne erythropoietin and iron stimulate erythropoiesis in suckling rats. J Pediatr Gastroent Nutr 2007 (In press).