Effect of splenectomy on erythropoiesis in mice

Abstract

Effect of Splenectomy on Erythropoiesis in Mice

Normal mice have splenic erythropoie­ sis, as assessed from nucleated erythroid cell percentages in sections and smears and Fe-59 uptake.

Splenectomy was accompanied by a mild anemia whose recovery was very slow, persisting 120 days later.

Splenectomized mice exposed to acute hypoxia show a relatively modest increase in erythropoiesis. Polycythemia due to chronic intermittent hypoxia is also slight when compared with normal non splenec­ tomized animals.

These results suggest that splenic erythropoiesis in mice has an important physiological role. Bone marrow not only shows failure to participate in erythroid response to hypoxia, but seems also unable to attend ordinary requirements.