Autotransplantation of splenic tissue in an isolated segment of small intestine

The ability of splenic tissue to regenerate when implanted in an isolated segment of small intestine with intact circulation was studied in six pigs. After total splenectomy, 10 per cent of the weight of the spleen was implanted in a 10-15-cm long isolated segment of small intestine with an intact vascular supply. Bowel continuity was established by end-to-end anastomosis. Before implantation, the mucosal layer was completely removed from the isolated segment of the small intestine. The animals were killed 6 months later and the isolated segment of small bowel containing the splenic tissue identified. Most of the implanted splenic tissue was recovered in the isolated segment of small intestine; the weight ranged from 43 to 120 (mean 80) per cent of that of the implanted tissue. An isolated segment of small intestine with an intact circulation produces a higher index of regeneration than other previously reported sites.