Effects of liver transplantation on function and morphological changes of spleen in hepatic cirrhosis rat

Objective To investigate the effects of liver transplantation on function and morphological changes of spleen in hepatic cirrhosis rats.Methods Hepatic cirrhosis model was established in rats by subcutaneous injections of carbon tetrachloride.Liver transplantation model was established with two-cuff technique.The portal vein pressure,and morphological changes of spleen were observed before and after liver transplantation in hepatic cirrhosis rats.The serum tuftsin level before and after liver transplantation were detected.Results Before liver transplantation,PVP was increased from 6.28 mmHg to 14.03mmHg(P0.01).(Pathological) sections of spleen showed that the areas of white pulp were decreased from 23.47% to 7.70%(P(0.01)),and the areas of spleen trabecula were increased from 1.75% to 4.46%(P(0.01)).Meanwhile,the level of serum tuftsin was significantly decreased from 466.7ng/mL to 321.8ng/mL(P0.01).After liver transplantation,PVP was significantly decreased from 14.03mmHg to 6.33mmHg(P0.01).Pathological sections of spleen showed that the areas of white pulp were increased from 7.70% to 15.07%(P0.01),and the areas of spleen trabecula were decreased from 4.46% to 3.11%(P0.05).Meanwhile,the level of serum tuftsin was increased from 321.8ng/mL to 432.5ng/mL(P(0.01)).Conclusions Portal vein hypertension in hepatic cirrhosis rats could be relieved after liver transplantation.Liver transplantation can improve the impaired function of spleen.