Effect of splenectomy on the blood and marrow megakaryocyte picture in dogs

견(犬)에 있어서 비장적출(脾臟摘出)이 혈액(血液) 및 골수거대핵세포상(骨髓巨大核細胞像)에 미치는 영향(影響)

Present experiments were undertaken in order to clarify the effect of splenectomy on the hematology and marrow megakaryocyte picture and to know the genesis of postsplenectomy thrombocytosis in dogs. Six mongrel dogs weighing 8.5~18㎏ were used, of which three were splenectomized and the other three were laparotomized for comparison. Erythrocyte count, total and differential leukocyte counts, thrombocyte count and packed cell volume measurement were made using the blood samples. In addition, bone marrow samples obtained from the femur at 7th and 23rd day of the operation were examined for the number per low-power field, the diameter, and the distribution frequency of the megakaryocyte. From these experiments, following results were obtained : Erythrocyte count and packed cell volume showed significant decrease beginning on the 15th day of splenectomy. Total and differential leukocyte counts showed marked increase for the first 2 days of postsplenectomy. The thrombocyte count of splenectomized dogs increased from the 2nd day of the operation, reached to the peak count on the 15th day, and returned to the preoperation count by the 28th day. The megakaryocyte count per low-power field of the biopsied preparation increased in according to the increase in thrombocyte count. The megakaryocyte diameter of splenectomized dog showed no increase on the 7th or 23rd day of the operation. However, the distribution frequency of the larger megakaryocyte was higher in the splenectomized dogs than in the laparotomized dogs. The total plasma protein concentration showed no significant change after splenectomy or laparotomy. From these results, it may be concluded that the postsplenectomy thrombocytosis results from the increased megakaryocytopoesis or the activated thrombocytopoesis of the marrow megakaryocytes.