Phagocytic function of lower spleen pole and autogenous splenic implants in rats

Abstract

PURPOSE:To investigate whether there are differences between the phagocytic function of the remaining lower spleen pole after subtotal splenectomy and autogenous splenic implants. METHODS:Thirty-six male Wistar rats, weighting 364 ± 60g were used. They were subjected to subtotal splenectomy preserving the lower spleen pole and to autogenous splenic implant in the greater omentum. Its viability was assessed microscopically. Phagocytic function was assessed by splenic uptake of the radioisotope-labeled colloid and by macrophages counting. RESULTS:The viability of the autogenous splenic implant and of the lower spleen pole was found in 33 animals, with no difference between them. The weight of the implants was higher than the lower pole of animals from groups G1, G7, G30, G60 and G120. The implants phagocytic function by radioisotope uptake was higher than the lower pole in G7 and G120 groups and it did not differ from the other groups. The number of macrophages was higher in G1, G60, G90 and G120 and did not differ from the other groups. CONCLUSION:Until the 16th week, the phagocytic function was more pronounced in autogenous splenic implants when compared with the lower spleen pole, but it became similar thereafter.

Effects of inferior splenic lobe pole fixation and gastrosplenic peritoneal membrane section on the vitality of the remanent of subtotal splenectomy in rats

“…This surgery was performed in dogs and rats and it was verified that blood supply occurred through the vessels of the gastrosplenic ligament that was still viable and its functions were preserved [22][23][24][25] . ESTPI was also experimentally done with laparoscopy, being feasible in 100% of the cases and the viability of spleen's inferior pole in 94, 1% of the cases 26 .…”

Macro and microscopic comparison of the upper pole of the spleen with the lower pole in partial splenectomy

“…A more current study still deals with subtotal splenectomy with preservation of the lower pole in patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma 12 . Other studies on subtotal splenectomy with preservation of the lower pole in last five years have been published 13 - 14 .…”

The influence of splenic tissue on the survival and TCD4 and TCD8 lymphocyte rates in rats subjected to fecal peritonitis induction

“…It also works as immune filter, capable of cleaning approximately 4% of the total volume of blood in the body per minute, of producing lymphocytes and monocytes, of making phagocytosis of foreign particles, bacteria, viruses and leucocytes, as well as of processing serum factors such as opsonins, which stimulate phagocytosis 2 . Improvements in the knowledge about the spleen and its functions have influenced the adoption of medical conducts focused on preserving the splenic tissue 3,4 .…”