Which hormone is secreted by the kidney to stimulate red blood cell production?

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Erythropoietin (EPO) is the hormone secreted by the kidneys that plays a crucial role in stimulating the production of red blood cells (RBCs) in the bone marrow. When oxygen levels in the blood are low, the kidneys detect this decrease and respond by releasing EPO into the bloodstream. EPO then acts on erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow to promote their differentiation into mature red blood cells. This process is vital for maintaining adequate oxygen transport in the body, especially in conditions where oxygen demand may increase or when the body is experiencing decreased oxygen levels (hypoxia).

In contrast, hemoglobin is a protein found within red blood cells that binds oxygen; it is not a hormone and does not have a role in stimulating RBC production. Testosterone is primarily an androgen hormone involved in male secondary sexual characteristics and does not have a direct role in stimulating erythropoiesis, although it can have some indirect effects on RBC production. Corticosterone is a corticosteroid hormone involved in regulating stress responses and metabolism, but it does not play a role in the stimulation of red blood cell production. Thus, EPO is the key hormone from the options provided that directly influences the number of red blood cells present in

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