Spleen Autotransplantation in Rat

Aim: This paper describes the surgical procedure for spleen autotransplantation in rats. Splenectomy is an important surgery protocol in research studies involving immunology and hematopoietic diseases. Spleen autotransplantation is an alternative method undertaken to preserve the splenic function as the absence of spleen (asplenia) is associated with lifelong risk for sepsis, especially by encapsulated bacteria. Method: Four six weeks old male Sprague-Dawley rats, with range of weight from 248-281 grams, underwent spleen autotransplantation via midline laparotomy incision. In this procedure the spleen was completely removed (total splenectomy); it involved removing the spleen and re-transplanted in greater omentum. A piece of the spleen weighing approximately 0.34 grams was transplanted inside the greater omentum and held in place with an absorbable suture knot. The muscle layer and skin incision were then closed using absorbable suture. The surgery was conducted under deep sedation and the rat was monitored post-operatively until it fully recovered. Outcome: The post-operative recovery of the rat was uneventful. Six-weeks after the surgery, the rat underwent a re-look laparotomy and the auto-transplanted spleen was examined. There was a three-fold increase in the size and weight of the spleen. Conclusion: This spleen autotransplantation model, which utilized an omental pouch, was not only successful in preserving the spleen, but also allowed for spleen regeneration. This model provides future platform for further research in auto-transplanted spleen.