Splenectomy protects the kidneys against ischemic reperfusion injury in the rat.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury of the kidney is closely associated with delayed graft function, increased acute rejection, and late allograft dysfunction. Splenectomy reduced hepatic I/R injury by inhibiting leukocyte infiltration in the liver, release of TNF-α, cell apoptosis, and expression of caspase-3. Thus, we investigated the effects of splenectomy on renal I/R injury in the rat.

METHODS:

Male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: sham operation (sham group), sham operation+splenectomy (sham+SPLN group), right nephrectomy followed by clamping the left renal pedicle for 30min (I/R 30 group), and I/R 30+splenectomy (I/R 30+SPLN group). Renal function was determined by measuring the concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (S-Cr). The serum level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was measured as the marker for inflammation. Left kidneys were obtained 24h after reperfusion. TUNEL assay was assessed for cell apoptosis. Spleens were obtained immediately (0-h group) and 3h after reperfusion (3-h group). The removed spleens were histologically evaluated.

RESULTS:

The BUN and S-Cr levels were significantly lower in the I/R 30+SPLN group than in the I/R 30 group (p<0.05 for both). Apoptotic cells were significantly lower in the I/R 30+SPLN group than in the I/R 30 group. The serum level of TNF-α, which was increased after I/R, was significantly lower in the I/R 30+SPLN group than in the I/R 30 group (p<0.05). Spleen weights were significantly lower in the 3-h group than in the 0-h group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION:

These results suggest that splenectomy reduces renal I/R injury, and this effect may occur by an anti-inflammatory pathway and inhibition of cell apoptosis.

• Authors: Toshiya Hiroyoshi, Masahiro Tsuchida, Koichi Uchiyama, Koki Fujikawa, Takahiro Komatsu, Yoshihiro Kanaoka, Hideyasu Matsuyama
• Journal: Transplant immunology (Transpl Immunol) Vol. 27 Issue 1 Pg. 8-11 (Aug 2012) ISSN: 1878-5492 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 22484617 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
• Creatinine
• Caspase 3

Topics

• Animals
• Apoptosis
• Blood Urea Nitrogen
• Caspase 3 (metabolism)
• Creatinine (blood)
• Inflammation (immunology)
• Kidney (pathology)
• Liver (pathology)
• Male
• Nephrectomy
• Organ Size
• Rats
• Rats, Wistar
• Reperfusion Injury (prevention & control)
• Splenectomy
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (blood)