Exogenous and endogenous angiogenic stimuli do not augment splenic autotransplantation.
OBJECTIVE
To find out if angiogenic stimulation improves the ability of the spleen to regenerate.


METHODS
Experimental study.


METHODS
Teaching hospital, Republic of Ireland.


METHODS
27 male Sprague-Dawley rats.


METHODS
Each spleen was removed and half was reimplanted in the greater omentum. The rats were randomised into three groups of 9 each: the first (control) group was given no stimulation; the second had the implanted spleen sutured into the omentum with 6/0 polypropylene; and in the third group the implanted spleen was injected with human recombinant vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) 500 microg.


METHODS
Clearance of Howell-Jolly bodies, and the weight and histological appearance of the splenic remnant at 3 months.


RESULTS
The splenic remnant was significantly larger at 3 months in the control group (p = 0.0006). Histological examination of the tissue from the control group showed that it was architecturally similar to that of normal functioning spleen, whereas the tissue from the two treated groups contained less lymphoid tissue and showed widespread acute and chronic inflammatory changes. There was a significantly greater clearance of Howell-Jolly bodies (an index of splenic function) from the peripheral blood of the control group (p = 0.0009).


CONCLUSIONS
The excellent recovery of the splenic remnant in the control group suggests that the procedure of splenic autotransplantation might warrant further consideration and study.
Power
Richard E
RE
Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.
Kay
Elaine W
EW
Bouchier-Hayes
David
D
D000818:Animals; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004908:Erythrocyte Inclusions; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D009929:Organ Size; D011126:Polypropylenes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D013154:Spleen / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology / Q000637:transplantation*; D013156:Splenectomy; D013537:Sutures; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous / Q000502:physiology; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008222:Lymphokines; D011126:Polypropylenes; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors