Purpose
The spleen is relevant in blood purification, hematopoiesis, metabolism, and
immune response to antigens, in addition to the storage and control on the
release of metals and amino acids. Its functions concerning reproduction
characteristics are still unknown. The objective was to study the influence
of splenectomies on reproduction.
Methods
This study analyzed 25 mice couples, distributed into five groups: group 1 –
control, no surgery: group 2 – control, submitted to laparotomy and
laparorrhaphy only; group 3 – splenectomy in male mice; group 4 –
splenectomy in female mice; group 5 – splenectomy in male and female mice.
The animals were studied as regards the number of gestations and offspring
generated in each gestation.
Results
A decrease in both the number of gestations and the number of offspring was
verified in the male mice that had received a splenectomy when coupled with
normal female mice. It is important to emphasize lower reproduction level
when paired asplenic males with normal females, otherwise, the couples in
which both mice had been splenectomized did not present change in the
reproduction pattern.
Conclusions
A reduction in the number of pregnancies and litters occurs in mice couples
when the male mice were previously splenectomized.
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