Erythropoietin induces positive inotropic and lusitropic effects in murine and human myocardium

► Myocardial contractile function is enhanced with erythropoietin (EPO) treatment. ► Heterodimeric EPO receptor stimulation yields similar contractile effects. ► The inotropic effect of EPO is mediated via novel PKC isoform signaling. ► EPO enhances the contractility of both mouse and human myocardium.