This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Hematinics, Subject name: Pharmacology
Which of the following statements about erythropoietin is FALSE? 
Select and explain. 
A. It is used for the treatment of anemia due to chronic renal failure, B. It results in decrease in reticulocyte count, C. It decreases the requirement of blood transfusions, D. It can cause hypertension
B: It results in decrease in reticulocyte count
Answer: B: It results in decrease in reticulocyte count 
Explanation: Ans. (B) It results in decrease in reticulocyte count(Ref: Katzung 10/e p537-538; KDT 8/e p657)Erythropoietin is a hematopoietic growth factor that is normally produced by the kidneys.Normally, there is an inverse relationship between serum erythropoietin levels and hemoglobin levels. When Hb decreases and anemia becomes more severe, serum erythropoietin level increases exponentially. But, anemia due to chronic renal failure is an exception to this inverse relationship. In CRF, erythropoietin is not produced, that results in anemia. So, exogenous erythropoietin will markedly improve anemia in CRF patients whereas there is less likelihood of response in other anemias.Erythropoietin consistently improves the hematocrit and Hb levels and usually eliminates the need of blood transfusions in CRF patients.An increase in reticulocyte count is usually observed in 10 days and increase in hematocrit and Hb levels in about 2-6 weeks.