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Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery

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Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research article

Splenectomy increases the survival time of heart allograft via developing immune tolerance

Authors: Jinguo Zhu, Shuzhen Chen, Jinju Wang, Cheng Zhang, Wei Zhang, Peng Liu, Ruilian Ma, Yanfang Chen, Zhen Yao

Published in: Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Background

The spleen is an active lymphoid organ. The effect of splenectomy on the immune response remains unclear. This study investigated whether splenectomy can induce immune tolerance and has a beneficial role in cardiac allograft.

Methods

Wistar rats were used for heart donors. The Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats designated as the recipients of heart transplantation (HT) were randomly assigned into four groups: sham, splenectomy, HT, splenectomy + HT. The survival of transplanted hearts was assessed by daily checking of abdominal palpation. At various time points after transplantation, the transplanted hearts were collected and histologically examined; the level of CD₄ ⁺CD₂₅ ⁺ T regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs) and rate of lymphocyte apoptosis (annexin-v⁺ PI⁺ cells) in the blood were analyzed by using flow cytometric method.

Results

1) Splenectomy significantly prolonged the mean survival time of heart allografts (7 ± 1.1 days and 27 ± 1.5 days for HT and splenectomy + HT, respectively; n = 12-14/group, HT vs. splenectomy + HT, p < 0.001); 2) Splenectomy delayed pathological changes (inflammatory cell infiltration, myocardial damage) of the transplanted hearts in splenectomy + HT rats; 3) The level of CD₄ ⁺CD₂₅ ⁺ Tregs in the blood of splenectomized rats was significantly increased within 7 days (2.4 ± 0.5%, 4.9 ± 1.3% and 5.3 ± 1.0% for sham, splenectomy and splenectomy + HT, respectively; n = 15/group, sham vs. splenectomy or splenectomy + HT, p < 0.05) after splenectomy surgery and gradually decreased to baseline level; 4) Splenectomy increased the rate of lymphocyte apoptosis (day 7: 0.3 ± 0.05%, 3.9 ± 0.9% and 4.1 ± 0.9% for sham, splenectomy and splenectomy + HT, respectively; n = 15/group, sham vs. splenectomy or splenectomy + HT, p < 0.05) in a pattern similar to the change of the CD₄ ⁺CD₂₅ ⁺ Tregs in the blood.

Conclusions

Splenectomy inhibits the development of pathology and prolongs the survival time of cardiac allograft. The responsible mechanism is associated with induction of immune tolerance via elevating CD₄ ⁺CD₂₅ ⁺ Tregs and increasing lymphocyte apoptosis.

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Title: Splenectomy increases the survival time of heart allograft via developing immune tolerance
Authors: Jinguo Zhu
Shuzhen Chen
Jinju Wang
Cheng Zhang
Wei Zhang
Peng Liu
Ruilian Ma
Yanfang Chen
Zhen Yao
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1749-8090
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1749-8090-8-129

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Splenectomy increases the survival time of heart allograft via developing immune tolerance

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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