Final answer:
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone secreted by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels, stimulating the production of red blood cells (RBCs) in the bone marrow.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hormone that plays a role in red blood cell (RBC) production is called erythropoietin (EPO). EPO is a glycoprotein hormone secreted primarily by the interstitial fibroblast cells in the kidneys when there is a need to increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, specifically in response to low oxygen levels.
Erythropoietin stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. Through this mechanism, EPO regulates RBC production, ensuring that sufficient oxygen is delivered to the body's tissues. It also has medical applications, treating certain anemias and is unfortunately misused as a performance-enhancing substance in sports, a practice known as blood doping. EPO is a glycoprotein hormone that is secreted by the interstitial fibroblast cells of the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels. It stimulates the production of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in the bone marrow.