[Experimental studies on splenic autotransplantation in rats]

To determine if splenic implants in the body regain vascularization and grow, and to determine the effects of any interaction between implant and remnant on growth of these spleen fragments, we conducted experiments on rats. 1) Spleen fragments were implanted in the omentum (20 cases), in the subcutaneous space (20 cases), or in the liver (10 cases), and the weight of splenic portions and its histological findings were observed 12 and 24 weeks after operation. The best splenic growth was observed in the group of implant in the omentum. 2) Total, 4/5, 2/3, 1/3 and 1/5 spleen were implanted in the omentum and the weight of implants were measured 6 weeks after the operation. The rate of growth of implanted spleen was the highest in the group of 1/5 and was the lowest in the group of whole spleen. 3) Two groups of rats underwent 1/3 splenectomy, and the 1/3 spleen portions was implanted in the omentum. One group had the remaining 2/3 spleen removed, the other group had the remaining 2/3 spleen left in place. In group at 6, 12 and 24 weeks postoperatively the splenic portions was weighed. The implants regenerate with time in rats of both groups. The rate of weight-gain was, however, slow in the group with 2/3 spleen and there was no regeneration on the remaining 2/3 spleen.