[Role of the spleen in regulating thrombocytopoiesis]

It was shown in experiments on dogs that splenectomy resulted in thrombocytosis, as well as in a decrease of the adhesive-aggregation capacity of platelets and their average life span. Daily thrombocytopoiesis was increased, and a sharp shift in megakariocytogram toward mature forms was noted. Megakaryocytes count in the bone marrow decreased. It is suggested that a factor controlling megakaryocytes cells precursors differentiation was produced in the spleen.