[Effect of splenectomy on hepatic regeneration in rats]

The effect of splenectomy on hepatic regeneration after partial hepatectomy was investigated in splenectomized and non-splenectomized rats. The results were as follows: The liver weight per body weight after partial hepatectomy increased significantly at 2 and 4 days in splenectomized group compared with non-splenectomized one. The rates of 3H-thymidine uptake in the regenerating liver cells at 24 hours after partial hepatectomy were more enhanced in splenectomized group than in non-splenectomized one. Thymidine kinase activity of the regenerating liver at 24 hours after partial hepatectomy in splenectomized rats was significantly higher than those in non-splenectomized rats. Both mitotic indices and labeling indices at 24 hours after partial hepatectomy in splenectomized rats were significantly higher than those in non-splenectomized group. The cells of mitotic stage were distributed mainly periportal area. From those results, it is suggested that the spleen has some inhibitory factors on hepatic regeneration after partial hepatectomy.