Reduction in pregnancies and litters in mice couples with splenectomized male

Abstract

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.

Splenectomy Is Associated with Sexual Dysfunctions and Decreased Libido

“…In the experience of the authors of this work, partial preservation of the spleen prevents complications from the asplenic state without compromising the normal somatic and sexual development [25]. This work evidenced the worsening of sexual functions in both men and women, according to a previous study carried out following the same line of this translational investigation [9]. In couples of mice, there was not only a reduction in the frequency of pregnancies after splenectomy, but also a lower number of pups in each pregnancy [9].…”

“…Okely et al (2010) studied the dynamics of ovulation associated with mediators of acute in ammation and observed fewer leukocytes in the ovaries of splenectomized rats, indicating that the spleen releases leukocytes for the defense of the ovary in the ovulatory period [18]. No other studies were found that related the spleen to organs of the reproductive system except a recent article published by the authors of this work [9].…”

“…This study belongs to a line of research and was carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Hospital Foundation of the State of Minas Gerais, logged under protocol number 068934/2016. [7,8,9,21,25] All patients agreed to participate in the study, and signed the Free and Informed Consent.…”

“…The only published study that relates sexual activity to the spleen or splenectomy belongs to the authors of this study [9]. The previous work, carried out on couples of mice, started this translational investigation and found a reduction in the number of pregnancies after splenectomy.…”

“…The previous work, carried out on couples of mice, started this translational investigation and found a reduction in the number of pregnancies after splenectomy. Another nding of that study was the reduction in the number of puppies from couples who had a pregnancy after splenectomy [9]. The aim of this study was to verify changes in libido and other sexual functions after the complete removal of the spleen.…”