title: The effects of splenectomy and splenic autotransplantation on plasma lipid levels.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Atherosclerosis observations after splenectomy for trauma and hypersplenism suggests a possible role for the spleen in lipid metabolism. The authors examined the effects of splenectomy on serum lipids in rats and also cholesterol-fed rats with experimental atherosclerosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was designed on rats. The rats were divided into five groups: splenectomy, normal diet (SP-N, n: 8), splenectomy, cholesterol-fed groups (SP-C, n: 8), splenic autotransplantation after splenectomy, normal diet (SA-N, n: 8), splenic autotransplantation after splenectomy, cholesterol-fed groups (SA-C, n: 8) and sham groups (n: 8). Total triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) levels were determined in 40 rats. The rats were classified into five groups based on the surgical procedures. The spleens were removed and then the rats were fed a normal diet in Group SP-N (n = 8). The spleens were removed and then the rats were fed a diet containing 1% cholesterol in Group SP-C (n = 8). Splenectomy and splenic autotransplantations were performed and then the rats were fed a normal diet in Group SA-N (n = 8). Splenectomy and splenic autotransplantations were performed and then the rats were fed a diet containing 1% cholesterol in Group SA-C (n = 8). The rats were sham-operated in the control group (Group S, n = 8). An active splenic function was shown in rats that underwent splenic autotransplantation in both groups by using Technicium 99 m sulphurcolloide sintiscan on day 30. Blood lipid levels were repeated 6 months later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no difference between pre- and postoperative lipid levels in the sham group and SA-N group (p >.05). All lipid levels including HDL were increased significantly in SP-C group (p <.05). Also VLDL and total tryglyceride levels were increased significantly in SP-N and SA-C groups (p <.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study showed that the spleen might have an important effect on lipid metabolism and splenic autotransplantation may be protective in conditions with increased lipid levels.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Okmeydani Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. akanarzu@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Arzu Atalay
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Akan
authors.forename: Neriman
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sengül
authors.forename: Serife
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Simşek
authors.forename: Seher
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Demirer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D002791:Cholesterol, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004036:Diet, Atherogenic; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013154:Spleen / Q000502:physiology* / Q000637:transplantation*; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D002791:Cholesterol, Dietary; D008055:Lipids; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol