Splenectomy attenuates the course of kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.
BACKGROUND
Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) initiates inflammatory response with synthesis of free oxygen radicals, chemokines, and cytokines which attract neutrophils and monocytes, which then differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells, activating adaptive immune response. The spleen is the main source of both monocytes and lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to assess whether splenectomy performed before or upon IRI affects post-ischemic and long-term renal function.


METHODS
Two weeks after right nephrectomy, the left kidney pedicle was clamped for 45 minutes in 24 rats. After the clip insertion, the spleen was removed in 12 animals and the remaining 12 rats underwent sham splenectomy. In the second experiment, splenectomy (n = 9) or sham procedure (n = 9) was performed simultaneously with right nephrectomy, 2 weeks before left kidney ischemia. The excretory function of the kidney was evaluated 48 hours and 7 days after ischemia. In the experimental model of chronic renal failure, 14 days before right nephrectomy, the prolonged 90-minute ischemia was induced in 32 rats with simultaneous splenectomy (n = 16) or sham procedure (n = 16). In long-term observation, the renal function and mortality rate was evaluated.


RESULTS
Kidney function preservation was superior in rats that underwent splenectomy together with renal ischemia when compared to controls. This was further expressed with a 2 times lower mortality rate in splenectomized animals in 6 months observation after prolonged renal ischemia. Renoprotective effect was not observed when splenectomy was performed 2 weeks before IRI.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest a detrimental influence of the spleen on the development of renal IRI.
Department of General, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland. Electronic address: wwystrych@gmail.com.
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Wystrychowski
Department of Nephrology, Municipal Hospital, Bytom, Poland.
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Filipczyk
Department of General, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
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Cierpka
Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
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E
Obuchowicz
Department of Nephrology, Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders; Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
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Więcek
Department of Nephrology, Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders; Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
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Wystrychowski
D000818:Animals; D003250:Constriction; D007668:Kidney / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D009392:Nephrectomy; D051381:Rats; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013156:Splenectomy