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[Histological studies of erythropoiesis in the splenic red pulp of the mouse: observations using semithin plastic
Abstract:
In male dd-mice aged at 0, 20, 35, 70, and 150 days, erythropoiesis in the splenic red pulp was examined histologically, particularly using semithin plastic sections. In the red pulp, a majority of hemopoietic cells consist of erythroblasts. In early life until 20 days, erythroblasts constituted 91 to 96% of all the hemopoietic cells, and they then decreased gradually in proportion, although they composed 71% even at 150 days of age. The total number of erythroblasts contained in the red pulp increased in early life until it reached maximal at 35 days. At 150 days of age, erythroblasts were a half of those at 35 days in number. In semithin sections, erythroblasts were classified into two types: large erythroblasts and small erythroblasts. During life, large erythroblasts were most numerous at birth, constituting 13% of all the erythroblasts even at 150 days of age. In the red pulp, hemopoietic cells other than erythroids, such as lymphocytes, granulocytes, and megakaryocytes, were contained in relatively small numbers. Lymphocytes increased gradually in number with advancing age. In adults, macrophages were often positive in ferruginous reaction. Such macrophages were not seen in mice younger than 35 days of age.
Insights
Erythropoiesis in mouse spleens shows erythroblasts dominate early life, peaking at 35 days. Their proportion declines with age, but they remain significant, with distinct large and small types observed.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Developmental Biology
- Histology
Context:
- The spleen's red pulp is a primary site of erythropoiesis in developing mammals.
- Understanding age-related changes in hematopoiesis is crucial for studying blood disorders and aging.
- Previous studies have not fully detailed the dynamic changes in splenic erythroblasts throughout postnatal development.
Purpose:
- To histologically examine the developmental trajectory of erythropoiesis in the splenic red pulp of male dd-mice.
- To quantify the proportion and number of erythroblasts and other hematopoietic cells at various postnatal ages (0-150 days).
- To characterize different erythroblast types and identify age-dependent changes in splenic macrophages.
Summary:
- Erythroblasts constitute the majority of hematopoietic cells in the splenic red pulp, ranging from 91-96% at birth to 71% by 150 days.
- The total number of erythroblasts peaks at 35 days and decreases by half by 150 days.
- Two erythroblast types (large and small) were identified; large erythroblasts were most abundant at birth but remained present throughout life. Lymphocytes increased with age, and ferruginous macrophages appeared in adults.
Impact:
- Provides a detailed histological atlas of splenic erythropoiesis during mouse postnatal development.
- Establishes baseline data for age-related changes in splenic hematopoiesis, relevant for research on anemia and aging.
- Highlights the dynamic nature of red pulp composition and the emergence of specific cell populations with age.