Exogenous EPO is also effective in animal models of painful neuropathy with a rapid recovery of sensory functions and reduction of allodynia.4,11,12,23,34,35 However, clinical studies indicate that the use of recombinant EPO is associated with serious side effects, such as arterial and venous thrombosis, hypertension, stroke, and myocardial infarction.15 Hence, the use of exogenous EPO has not been pursued seriously in clinical studies requiring extended dosing. This evidence concerns the gene EPO and myocardial infarction.