Epo accelerates SMC-rich lesion formation in mice. Comparison of the intima formation of ligated carotid arteries of wild-type FVB mice treated with solvent (A,D), 150 IU/kg Dynepo (B,E), or 500 IU/kg Dynepo (C,F). The mean intimal area (F) and intima/media (I/M) ratio (G) reveal significantly enhanced intima formation in Epo-treated groups after 4 weeks of ligation. Photomicrographs of hematoxylin-eosin–stained (A-C) and Lawson solution–stained (D-F) sections: bright-field microscopy, original magnification ×200. Mean and SEM of different treatment groups are shown (G-H). Student t test vs control: *P < .05; **P < .01.