Splenic functions in malaria.
The spleen traps parasitized erythrocytes within its unique architecture, and this trapping function is modified during plasmodium infestation. Splenectomy dramatically exacerbates the course of experimental malarias probably through elimination of activated cordal macrophages responsible for killing intraerythrocytic plasmodia.
D000818:Animals; D008288:Malaria / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D051381:Rats; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*