Changes in leucocytic count and serum immunoglobulins after partial hepatectomy alone and in combination with splenectomy in rats

ABSTRACT

This work was done to investigate the role of the liver and spleen in the body defense mechanism. Thirty male albino rats were prepared and divided into three groups. The first group was considered as a sham-operated group, the second group was subjected for a partial hepatectomy, and the third group was subjected for partial hepatectomy plus splenectomy. After one week and three weeks postoperatively blood samples were taken from the retroorbital vein and analyzed for total and differential leucocyytic counts and for serum g-globulin level. The results showed that, there is a significant depression in total and differential leucocytic counts and a significant elevation in serum g-globulin level after one week and after three weeks, with significant improvment in lymphocytic count and in gamma globulin level after the third weak. Spleenectomy in the third group worsen the condition and showed a significant depression in leucocytic count without a significant elevation of gamma globulin level that appeared in the second group. These results clarify the role of both liver and spleen in body defense mechanism and in protection against bacterial infection. Also, suggest to reserve the splenic tissue if it is possible and advise for subtotal splenectomy or for splenic tissue transplantation