[The effect of splenectomy on circulating endotoxin clearance and tissue distribution of endotoxin in rats].

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of splenectomy on circulating endotoxin clearance and tissue distribution of endotoxin, and investigate the potential mechanism(s) underlying inflammatory response and multiple organ damage following splenectomy.

METHODS

112 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n = 56, included omentectomy and mobilization of the spleen), and splenectomy group (n = 56). The latter was further sub divided into 10-min, 0.5-, 1.5-, 4-, 12-, 24-hour groups after endotoxin challenge. Tissue and systemic blood endotoxin concentrations were measured using the chromogenic limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL), which was modified by perchloric acid (PCA) pretreatment for samples. Liver function parameter and lung tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) were also measured.

RESULTS

After endotoxin administration, plasma endotoxin concentrations were higher in splenectomized rats than in controls at 10 minutes and 0.5 hour (P < 0.01). Endotoxin clearance was delayed in liver and lung in animals after splenectomy. MPO values of the control group were significantly higher than those of splenectomy groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Splenectomy can lead to impairment of intravascular clearance of endotoxin and endotoxin accumulation in liver and lung. Endotoxin accumulated in local sites may be involved in the development of inflammatory response and multiple organ dysfunction following splenectomy.