The effects of splenectomy and splenic autotransplantation on plasma lipid levels.
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.
Akan
Arzu Atalay
AA
Department of General Surgery, Okmeydani Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. akanarzu@hotmail.com
Sengül
Neriman
N
Simşek
Serife
S
Demirer
Seher
S
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
D002791:Cholesterol, Dietary; D008055:Lipids; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol