The Early Changes in Splenic Lymphocyte and Macrophage Populations Following Major Liver Resection in Rats.

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Anatomy and Embryology, faculty of Medicine, Mansoura university

Abstract

Background and aim of the work: Splenic hypertrophy occur after major hepatectomy (HTX). The spleen was suggested to inhibit hepatocyte proliferation and consequently, splenectomy was considered. The present study aims to examine the influence of 70% partial hepatectomy (HTX) on the splenic histological structure, T, B lymphocyte and macrophage populations and to discuss the functional correlation.Methods: The rats were assigned to two groups; Sham group, and 70% Partial hepatectomy (HTX) group; which was further subdivided into 2 subgroups; sacrificed 24 or 48h, after HTX; Groups (HTX 24h) and (HTX 48h); respectively. H & E as a routine stain, iron staining by Prussian blue, as well as immunohistochemical detection of splenic CD3; a marker for T lymphocyte; CD20; a marker for B lymphocyte and CD68; a marker for macrophage; were done.Results: HTX 24h and HTX 48h groups exhibited enlargement of splenic follicles, no expansion of red pulp < /span>, no increase in apoptosis, mild increase in the number of melanomacrophages. CD3 expression increased significantly in HTX groups as compared to Sham group. However, CD3 expression in HTX 24h and HTX 48h groups exhibited insignificant difference. CD20 expression showed no significant difference among the studied groups. CD68 expression and Prussian blue staining showed a non-significant increase in HTX 24h group and significant increase in HTX 48h group.Conclusion: During the first two days after HTX, there was a rapid increase in splenic T- but not B-lymphocytes with subsequent increase in splenic macrophages. The splenic changes may explain a role of in liver regeneration.

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