Spleen Pulp Research Articles

Pathomorphological changes in monieziosis of goats

The article describes the state of the body, changes in the mucous membranes, subcutaneous tissue, the appearance of blood, internal organs, lymph nodes, integumentary organs, changes in the stomach and intestines of goats that died due to monieziosis in natural conditions (spontaneously). As a result of the mechanical, toxic and biological effects of moniezia in the digestive organs, especially in the intestines, deep and complex changes have been studied, such as alterative, exudative and immunopathological, dystrophic, necrotic, catarrhal-hemorrhagic. In the mucous membranes of the small intestine, acute and chronic inflammation, hemorrhage, hemorrhagic infarction, intussusception, and intoxication were detected. A pathological examination revealed that these changes in the body of goats consist of hemodynamic and necrotic processes. The article presents histological changes in the parenchymal organs of goats with monieziosis. Hyperemia of the sinusoidal capillaries of the liver, hemorrhages, cardiac destrophy, disquamation, lobar pneumonia, and hemorrhages in the spleen pulp were determined. The article provides information about histiological changes in the digestive organs: abomasum, rumen, mesh and booklet, small and large intestines, in their lymph nodes - fibrinoid dystrophy, necrosis, thrombosis, acute inflammation, destruction of the endothelium, embolism, decomplexation of extravasation, desquamation, neutrophil infiltration with monieziosis of goats.

Using an Aluminum Hydroxide-Chitosan Matrix Increased the Vaccine Potential and Immune Response of Mice against Multi-Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative, immobile, aerobic nosocomial opportunistic coccobacillus that causes pneumonia, septicemia, and urinary tract infections in immunosuppressed patients. There are no commercially available alternative antimicrobials, and multi-drug resistance is an urgent concern that requires emergency measures and new therapeutic strategies. This study evaluated a multi-drug-resistant A. baumannii whole-cell vaccine, inactivated and adsorbed on an aluminum hydroxide-chitosan (mAhC) matrix, in an A. baumannii sepsis model in immunosuppressed mice by cyclophosphamide (CY). CY-treated mice were divided into immunized, non-immunized, and adjuvant-inoculated groups. Three vaccine doses were given at 0D, 14D, and 28D, followed by a lethal dose of 4.0 × 108 CFU/mL of A. baumannii. Immunized CY-treated mice underwent a significant humoral response, with the highest IgG levels and a higher survival rate (85%); this differed from the non-immunized CY-treated mice, none of whom survived (p < 0.001), and from the adjuvant group, with 45% survival (p < 0.05). Histological data revealed the evident expansion of white spleen pulp from immunized CY-treated mice, whereas, in non-immunized and adjuvanted CY-treated mice, there was more significant organ tissue damage. Our results confirmed the proof-of-concept of the immune response and vaccine protection in a sepsis model in CY-treated mice, contributing to the advancement of new alternatives for protection against A. baumannii infections.

Evaluation of Leishmania infantum 30x biotherapy effects in the prevention and treatment of visceral leishmaniasis: in vivo and in vitro studies

Background: &#x0D; Leishmaniasis is a serious public health problem especially in developing countries [1]. The therapeutic potential of biotherapics against several microorganism has been described in vitro [2,3] and in vivo studies [4,5,6,7,8,9]. Considering the resistance of leishmaniasis to conventional treatment as well as previous studies with biotherapic, we evaluated the effects of Leishmania infantum 30x (BioLi30x) biotherapy.&#x0D; &#x0D; Aim: evaluate the antileishmanial effects of BioLi30x in in vivo and in vitro models.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methodology: &#x0D; The in vivo experiments were performed using BALB/c mice (n=138), divided into 8 groups: G1-healthy, G2-infected with L. infantum, G3-BioLi30x pre-treated, G4-BioLi30x pre/post-treated, G5-BioLi30x post-treated, G6-H2O30x post-treated, G7-Antimonium crudum 30x post-treated and G8-Glucantime® post-treated. After 49 days of treatment, the animals were submitted to euthanasia (ethical approval ECUA/UFRJ/066/14). Liver and spleen histological changes were evaluated, and serum samples were aliquoted and storage at -20°C for cytokine assays. The in vitro assays were performed using RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with BioLi30x and infected with L. infantum. The morphological aspects were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the nitric oxide (NO) release was quantified in the supernatant of infected macrophages. &#x0D; &#x0D; Results: &#x0D; The histological analysis from 4 independent experiments showed livers with normal appearance (G1); periportal chronic hepatitis (G2,G4,G5,G8); discreet (G3,G7), moderate (G4,G5,G6), and severe (G2,G8) vacuolar hydropic degeneration; congestion and neutrophilic inflammation (G2,G4,G5,G6,G8), and possible amastigotes within macrophages (G2-G8). Spleens presented healthy appearance only in G1. All treated animals presented histological alterations, with different lesions severity, which involved spleen pulp hyperplasia with moderate disruption (G2,G8), as well as megakaryocytes and macrophages proliferation (G2- G8). SEM analyses showed BioLi30x treatments induced significant protozoan morphology alterations when compared to H2O30x. Besides, a 19% increase in the NO release was detected in RAW supernatants, when compared to H2O30x.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusions: &#x0D; BioLi30x and Antimonium crudum 30x modified the infection animal process, involving several cellular mechanisms as well as different histological damage. The in vitro experiments will be repeated in order to confirm these preliminary results.

Evaluation of Neuroendocrine and Immunological Parameters in Animals Following Chronic Combined Exposure to Xenobiotics

Background: A high prevalence of chromium and benzene compounds in the environment associated with motor vehicle and industrial operations arouses interest in the study of these xenobiotics in a long-term experiment. The objective of this work was to analyze effects of a chronic combined exposure to chromium and benzene on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) and immune systems of male Wistar rats. Materials and methods: Eighty male Wistar rats were administered potassium dichromate and benzene with drinking water in doses equaling one maximum permissible concentration (MPC) during 135 days. The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, thymus, and spleen were then studied using morphometric, histological, and electron microscopy methods. The streptavidin-biotin peroxidase method was used to determine the expression of pro-apoptotic protein p53 and anti-apoptotic protein bcl2. We also measured the body, thymus and spleen weights of animals, nucleated cell counts in the thymus, spleen, and bone marrow and evaluated the cellular composition of the spleen and bone marrow as well as spontaneous and concanavalin A-induced secretion of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 cytokines by splenocytes. Results: We established an adverse effect of the exposure on the HPA function expressed in the activation of its secretory activity, blocking the release of hypothalamic neuropeptides at the level of the neurohypophysis and leading to ultrastructural damage to the neurosecretory cells of the hypothalamus, pituitary adenocytes and adrenal cortical cells, as well as in an increase in the programmed death of thymocytes. We also observed a decrease in the thymus weight and thymocyte counts and a complex of structural and functional changes indicating the status of its accidental involution in the exposed rats. The revealed decrease in the splenocyte count in the experimental group was accompanied by an increase in the size of the white spleen pulp. An increase in the induced production of the main immunoregulatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-4 by splenocytes was found. Conclusion: Our findings can be used to analyze impairments of the HPA and immune systems in workers with a chronic combined exposure to benzene and chromium compounds in the occupational setting.

Molecular detection, histopathological analysis, and immunohistochemical characterization of equine infectious anemia virus in naturally infected equids.

Equine infectious anemia (EIA), a disease caused by equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), is considered an obstacle to the development of the horse industry. There is no treatment or vaccine available for EIA, and its pathogenesis, as well as the immune response against the virus, is not fully understood. Therefore, an immunohistochemistry assay was developed for the detection of viral antigens in tissues of equids naturally infected with EIAV. Sections of organs of six equids from Apodi-RN, Brazil, that tested positive for EIA by serological tests (ELISA and AGID) were fixed in 10% formalin solution and embedded in paraffin. Immunohistochemistry was performed using a polyclonal anti-EIAV antibody. EIAV antigens were observed in red spleen pulp cells and hepatic sinusoids, as well as bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial cells of the lungs and proximal and distal tubules of the kidneys. The presence of EIAV in the spleen and liver was expected due to viral tropism by macrophages, which are abundantly present in these organs. However, EIAV was also found in lung and kidney epithelial cells, indicating that the virus infects cell types other than macrophages. In conclusion, the immunohistochemical assay standardized in this study was able to detect EIAV antigens in spleen, liver, kidney and lung cells from naturally infected EIAV equids. Immunostaining observed in the spleen confirms viral tropism by mononuclear phagocytes; however, the presence of EIAV in lung and kidney epithelial cells indicates that virus may be eliminated in urine and/or oronasal secretions, suggesting new routes for viral excretion.

Морфофункциональные изменения ободочной кишки и иммунные реакции при холодовом стрессе у самцов и самок мышей C57BL/6

Introduction. Stress is one of the factors contributing to the gastrointestinal tract diseases development and exacerbating the course of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The cold factor is the most common stress factor in Russia. Therefore, the aim of our work was to characterize the immune responses and colon morphological and functional changes during cold stress in male and female C57BL/6 mice. Materials and methods. We studied alterations in the subpopulation composition of peripheral blood lymphocytes and morphofunctional changes in the thymus, spleen, and colon in response to a course intermittent cold exposure during 35-minute sessions for 14 days at –20° in adult male and female C57BL/6 mice. Results. The volume fraction of the PALS zone of the spleen and the content of endocrine cells in the colon decreased in animals of both sexes in the cold stress conditions. In females, the number of platelets and leukocytes in the peripheral blood increased, the width of the subcapsular zone of the thymus decreased, and the volume fraction of the red spleen pulp increased. In males, in the peripheral blood, the absolute and relative content of T-regulatory lymphocytes decreased, and the relative content of activated T-helpers increased, the volume fraction of the light centers of lymphoid nodules in the spleen decreased, the length of the crypts increased in the colon. A number of differences between males and females of control groups were also revealed: in the peripheral blood, males had more platelets and the absolute content of T-regulatory lymphocytes and less absolute content of T-cytotoxic. In the colon of males, the content of proliferating epithelial cells in the colon was higher than the one in females, and the bulk density of goblet cells was lower in males. Conclusion. Under the cold stress factor exposure in animals, physiological stress develops. Immune reactions and colon morphofunctional changes in the colon during cold stress differ between males and females. Keywords:cold stress, sex differences, colon, immune system

\u03b2-Blockers Improve Presinusoidal Portal Hypertension

BackgroundPresinusoidal portal hypertension is a clinically important cause of gastric and gastroesophageal varices. Whereas β-blockers have an established prophylactic role against bleeding from esophageal and gastric varices in portal hypertension due to cirrhosis, the effect on presinusoidal portal hypertension is unknown.AimsTo evaluate the hemodynamic effect of β-blockers in non-cirrhotic patients with presinusoidal portal hypertension.MethodsWe measured the blood pressure gradient from spleen pulp to free hepatic vein in 12 patients with presinusoidal portal hypertension by combined hepatic vein catheterization and spleen pulp puncture while on and off β-blocker treatment (random sequence).ResultsThe β-blockers reduced the gradient from a mean off-treatment value of 32 mm Hg to a on-treatment value of 26 mm Hg (P < 0.05) with a reduction of at least 20% in five patients (42%).Conclusionsβ-blocker treatment caused a clinically significant reduction in the pressure gradient from spleen pulp to the free hepatic vein. This finding supports the recommendation for prophylactic β-blockage in patients with presinusoidal portal hypertension.

A Comparison of the Transplant Efficiency between Intraportal and Intrasplenic Procedures in Hepatocyte Transplantation

Background In hepatocyte transplantation, intraportal injection is regarded as the current standard procedure worldwide. However, there have been some reports that an intrasplenic approach is more efficient in terms of the engraftment and function of hepatocytes. Of particular interest, in pancreatic islet transplantation, which shares many aspects with hepatocyte transplantation, an intrasplenic method was recently proven to be superior to the intraportal method regarding islet engraftment. Therefore, in the present study, we compared the transplant efficiency between intraportal and intrasplenic approaches in hepatocyte transplantation. Methods Rat hepatocytes were isolated using a modified two-step collagenase perfusion technique and then purified by Percoll density gradient centrifugation. Hepatocytes (1.0 × 107) with a viability exceeding 90% were directly injected into the portal vein (n=8) or spleen pulp (n=8) of analbuminemic rats using a gastight syringe for 60 seconds. Blood samples were taken pre-transplantation and at weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 after transplantation. The serum albumin levels were quantified using a rat albumin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results The serum albumin levels of the intrasplenic group (pre-transplantation: 7.55±0.65 μg/ml, Week 2: 55.00±21.02 μg/ml, Week 4: 79.88±32.62 μg/ml, Week 6: 105.96±54.46 μg/ml, Week 8: 114.73±58.34 μg/ml, Week 10: 116.11±56.33 μg/ml, Week 12: 122.76±60.85 μg/ml, and Week 16: 133.96±66.03 μg/ml, respectively) were significantly lower than those of the intraportal group (pre-transplantation: 8.26±0.79 μg/ml, Week 2: 100.43±38.48 μg/ml, Week 4: 159.24±58.04 μg/ml, Week 6: 181.31±68.61 μg/ml, Week 8: 185.66±71.44 μg/ml, Week 10: 188.96±74.46 μg/ml, Week 12: 190.73±73.91 μg/ml and Week 16: 191.70±78.06 μg/ml, respectively, P<0.0001). Conclusions The present study clearly showed that the intraportal injection procedure is more efficient than the intrasplenic procedure for performing hepatocyte transplantation.

Вплив умовно патогенної мікрофлори на розвиток патологічного процесу за пастерельозно-аскаридіозного мікст захворювання птиці

The article presents the results of autopsy dead of poultry and bacteriological studies of pathological material confiscation of dead birds. It was established that the pathological process at the mixed pasteurellosis and ascaridosis diseases is enhanced by the complications its conditioned pathogenic microflora, ie Escherichia coli, which amounts to 85.4% of all the isolated microorganisms. In most cases the selection of conditionally pathogenic microflora in the mixed pasteurellosis and ascaridosis disease observed in the spring to 82.4%. Pathological changes at he mixed pasteurellosis and ascaridosis disease complicated by conditionally pathogenic microflora were atypical: exhaustion, conjunctivitis, allocation from the nose muddy mucus hydropericarditis, catarrhal pneumonia, perihepatitis, splenitis, catarrhal hemorrhagic enterocolitis, hemorrhagic duodenitis, ruffled feathers, near the cloaca soiled dark gray of the droppings, sometimes mixed with fibrin, are thickened joints, in articular vagina accumulation of exudate straw-yellow color. Sometimes at roosters observed cyanosis of the comb, turkeys – cyanotic head skin, pigeons and parrots – expressed exhaustion, enlargement of the spleen twice from the physiological norm. In most cases were isolated conditionally pathogenic microflora of parenchymal organs: heart, liver, spleen and bone pulp. Because isolated pathogens play an important role in the development and aggravation of the pathological process at he mixed pasteurellosis and ascaridosis disease of poultry.

Морфологические особенности ткани селезенки после введения фторурацила и криоконсервированных ядросодержащих клеток кордовой крови

We studied the effect of administered cryopreserved nucleated cells of human cord blood (cCBNCs) on murine spleen tissue morphology under hemo- and immunosuppression induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) antimetabolite of nucleic metabolism in the maximum tolerated dose. Progressing changes, typical for a damage caused by toxic substances, such as: congestion, exudation and leukocytes infiltration of spleen pulp; accumulation of macrophages either with phagocytized lymphocytes or their fragments; degenerative and necrotic changes in tissue elements of the pulp and follicles were revealed in spleen following 5‑FU introduction within entire observation period (16 days). A high degree of murine spleen reactivity in response to the administration of cryopreserved cord blood cells was found. To day 2 after cCBNCs administration we observed structural rearrangements in spleen, and already 10 days later 5-FU antimetabolite toxic injury the organ structure was back to the norm. Probl Cryobiol Cryomed 2016; 26(3): 249–258

William Boog Leishman-A Brief Reminder of His Life and Work on the Occasion of His 150th Birthday.

William Boog Leishman was born 150 years ago. Although his description of "small round or oval bodies" in a smear from the spleen pulp of a soldier who had died of kala-azar was not the first one of Leishmania and although Leishman did not make the diagnosis of kala-azar and misinterpreted the microorganisms to be trypanosomes, his article became the springboard for a series of studies that, within a few months, established Leishmania as a previously unknown genus of protozoa and led to appreciation of the clinical spectrum of kala-azar and the relationship between cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis.

Stereological and Immunohistochemical Study of the Spleen in Hypothyroid Juvenile Rats

Abstract The purpose of this work was to investigate the influence of hypothyroidism on spleen tissue morphology and immune cell density in fourteen-day-old juvenile rats. Hypothyroidism in pups (n=10) was induced by administration of propylthiouracil (PTU) in drinking water (1.5 mg/L) to their mothers during pregnancy and period of lactation. Fourteen-day-old pups were sacrificed and the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) serum concentration and thyroid activation index (Ia) were determined. Increased serum level of TSH and increased Ia showed that pups from PTU treated mothers were hypothyroid. White and red spleen pulp, marginal zone and connective tissue volume density has been assessed by using the stereological method. Using immunohistochemistry, the present CD3+ T lymphocytes, CD45RA+ B lymphocytes and CD68+ macrophages were quantified. A significant reduction of volume density of the periarteriolar lymphocyte sheath (VvPALS) and lymphatic follicles (Vvf) due to depletion of T and B lymphocytes respectively, was observed in the spleens of hypothyroid pups compared to controls. The volume density of the red pulp (Vvrp), marginal zone (Vvmz) and connective tissue (Vvct) was increased, as well as the number of CD68+ macrophages in the spleens of hypothyroid pups compared to controls. These results indicate that thyroid hormones might be important for normal development of both, specific and innate immune cells in the spleen during prenatal and early postnatal period.

Murine study of portal hypertension associated endothelin-1 hypo-response.

To investigate endothelin-1 hypo-responsive associated with portal hypertension in order to improve patient treatment outcomes. Wild type, eNOS(-/-) and iNOS(-/-) mice received partial portal vein ligation surgery to induce portal hypertension or sham surgery. Development of portal hypertension was determined by measuring the splenic pulp pressure, abdominal aortic flow and portal systemic shunting. To measure splenic pulp pressure, a microtip pressure transducer was inserted into the spleen pulp. Abdominal aortic flow was measured by placing an ultrasonic Doppler flow probe around the abdominal aorta between the diaphragm and celiac artery. Portal systemic shunting was calculated by injection of fluorescent microspheres in to the splenic vein and determining the percentage accumulation of spheres in liver and pulmonary beds. Endothelin-1 hypo-response was evaluated by measuring the change in abdominal aortic flow in response to endothelin-1 intravenous administration. In addition, thoracic aorta endothelin-1 contraction was measured in 5 mm isolated thoracic aorta rings ex-vivo using an ADI small vessel myograph. In wild type and iNOS(-/-) mice splenic pulp pressure increased from 7.5 ± 1.1 mmHg and 7.2 ± 1 mmHg to 25.4 ± 3.1 mmHg and 22 ± 4 mmHg respectively. In eNOS(-/-) mice splenic pulp pressure was increased after 1 d (P = NS), after which it decreased and by 7 d was not significantly elevated when compared to 7 d sham operated controls (6.9 ± 0.6 mmHg and 7.3 ± 0.8 mmHg respectively, P = 0.3). Abdominal aortic flow was increased by 80% and 73% in 7 d portal vein ligated wild type and iNOS when compared to shams, whereas there was no significant difference in 7 d portal vein ligated eNOS(-/-) mice when compared to shams. Endothelin-1 induced a rapid reduction in abdominal aortic blood flow in wild type, eNOS(-/-) and iNOS(-/-) sham mice (50% ± 8%, 73% ± 9% and 47% ± 9% respectively). Following portal vein ligation endothelin-1 reduction in blood flow was significantly diminished in each mouse group. Abdominal aortic flow was reduced by 19% ± 9%, 32% ± 10% and 9% ± 9% in wild type, eNOS(-/-) and iNOS(-/-) mice respectively. Aberrant endothelin-1 response in murine portal hypertension is NOS isoform independent. Moreover, portal hypertension in the portal vein ligation model is independent of ET-1 function.

Adherence Patterns of Histoplasma capsulatum Yeasts to Bat Tissue Sections

The adherence of Histoplasma capsulatum yeasts to lung, spleen, liver, gut, and trachea cryosections of Artibeus hirsutus bats and inbred BALB/c mice (control) was studied after in vitro yeast-tissue incubations. Candida albicans yeasts were used as a well-known adherent fungal model in the mice host, and latex beads were used as a negative adherence control. Adhered yeast cells were identified by using crystal violet staining and the immunoperoxidase method with specific antibodies. H. capsulatum yeasts adhered to all tissues tested, mainly in the lung. Moreover, H. capsulatum yeasts adhered preferentially to white and red spleen pulp, in contrast to the dispersed distribution of C. albicans yeasts. H. capsulatum yeasts were mostly found on the sinusoidal face of hepatocytes. In general, the gut showed a higher number of adhered H. capsulatum yeasts than the trachea in both bats and mice. H. capsulatum and C. albicans yeasts developed high selectivity for the lamina propria of the gut. In addition, H. capsulatum yeasts interacted better with the lamina propria and adventitia of the trachea. The number of H. capsulatum yeast cells that adhered to each tissue section type was always greater than the corresponding number of C. albicans yeast cells, and latex beads never adhered to the tissue sections. Controls with anti-H. capsulatum and normal rabbit sera showed a significant blockage of H. capsulatum yeast adherence to lung tissue. This is the first study describing the patterns of H. capsulatum yeast adherence to different bat and mouse tissues.

Spontaneous atraumatic rupture of a normal-sized spleen due to AL amyloid angiopathy

We report an unusual cause of hemoperitoneum in an AL amyloid patient on peritoneal dialysis due to spontaneous rupture of a normal-sized spleen not related to any trauma. The rupture was not due to amyloid deposition within the spleen pulp but rather due to amyloid angiopathy causing hemorrhage within the spleen and capsular tear.

Combined liver vein and spleen pulp pressure measurements in patients with portal or splenic vein thrombosis

Background: Patients with thrombosis of the portal or splenic vein may develop portal hypertension with bleeding from oesophageal or gastric varices. The relevant portal pressure cannot be measured by liver vein catheterization or transhepatic puncture of the portal vein because the obstruction is peripheral to the accessible part of the portal system. Methods: Liver vein catheterization was combined with percutaneous splenic pressure measurement in 10 patients with portal or splenic vein thrombosis and no cirrhosis, and 10 cirrhotic patients without thrombosis. The splenic pressure was measured by percutaneous puncture below the curvature of the ribs with an angle of the needle to skin of 30° in order to minimize the risk of cutting the spleen if the patient took a deep breath. Results: None of the patients in whom the described procedure was followed had complications. Pressure measurements in the spleen pulp and splenic vein were concordant. The pressure gradient across the portal venous system (splenic‐to‐wedged hepatic vein pressure) was −1.3 to 8.5 mmHg (median, 2.8 mmHg) in cirrhosis patients and 0–44 mmHg (median, 18 mmHg) in thrombosis patients, the variation reflecting various degrees of obstruction to flow in the portal venous system. Peripheral portal pressure (splenic‐to‐free liver vein pressure gradient) was 1.1–28 mmHg (median, 17 mmHg) in cirrhotic patients and 11–52 mmHg (median, 23 mmHg) in thrombosis patients. Conclusions: Liver vein catheterization combined with percutaneous splenic pressure measurement is feasible in quantifying pressure gradient across a thrombosis of the portal/splenic vein and in quantifying portal pressure peripheral to this kind of thrombosis.

Reversibility of secondary biliary fibrosis by biliodigestive anastomosis in the rat

Biliary cirrhosis with portal hypertension and hepatocellular failure is a well-known complication of extrahepatic obstruction. It is unclear to what extent these changes are reversible by biliodigestive anastomosis. Therefore a rat model of relief of biliary obstruction was developed by performing Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy in rats after bile duct obstruction. Patency of the biliodigestive anastomosis was documented by biliary scintigraphy. Microsomal function was assessed in vivo by the aminopyrine breath test and portal hypertension by spleen pulp pressure. Microsomal function was markedly impaired in obstructed animals but recovered after biliodigestive anastomosis. Microsomal cytochrome P450 content paralleled these changes. Similarly, portal hypertension was reversed after successful relief of obstruction. Stereologic analysis showed that biliodigestive anastomosis partially reversed bile ductular proliferation and fibrosis. Studying the time course of recovery showed that restoration of microsomal function was achieved after 2 weeks whereas recovery from portal hypertension required 4 weeks of biliary drainage. Recovery of microsomal function was paralleled by normalization of microsomal lipid composition while resolution of portal hypertension occurred parallel to resolution of the histologic abnormalities.

EFFECT OF SPLEEN IN RESTRUCTURED BEEF

ABSTRACTBoneless beef chucks were converted to restructured beef steaks and formulated with 1% NaCl and 0.25% sodium tripolyphosphate (STP). Experimental treatments included (1) control‐frozen, (2) control‐5 days storage at 0°C, (3) 1% spleen pulp‐frozen and (4) 1% spleen pulp‐5 days storage at 0°C. Treatments 2 and 4 were evaluated only after storage for 5 days; whereas, treatments 1 and 3 were studied at 5 and 70 days. Spleen pulp enhanced (P&lt;0.05) color development during frozen storage for a short period but offered no (P&gt;0.05) contribution to color preservation during prolonged storage. Visual color and overall appearance were affected more by storage time and conditions than by the addition of spleen pulp. Spleen pulp had no effect (P&gt;0.05) on product cohesiveness, texture, tenderness and flavor of frozen restructured beef steaks but improved the tenderness of unfrozen samples.

Morphometric studies of the spleen of the hypoxic mouse.

Adult male mice were exposed for periods of up to 7 days at atmospheric pressures of either 72 or 52 kPa (540 or 390 mm mercury). Changes in body weights, spleen weights and red and white splenic pulp weights were compared with those in normoxic controls. Contrary to expectation, spleen weights and amounts of red pulp were greater (in terms of experimental-control differences) in the animals kept at 72 kPa, suggesting that at 52 kPa loss of overall fitness reduced the adaptive erythropoietic response. However, in view of the fact that increased erythropoiesis has disadvantages as well as advantages, the lesser response at the lower pressure may not be wholly disadvantageous. Coefficients of variation of the spleen variables examined showed a tendency to decrease in the animals at 72 kPa, but rose markedly at 52 kPa. This finding was interpreted as indicating that at 72 kPa spleen and red pulp changes are adaptive, but at 52 kPa they indicate an overall relative failure of adaptive mechanisms, with consequent reduced somatic fitness.

Mineral Element Composition of Bovine Spleen and Separated Spleen Components

ABSTRACTThe content of 15 essential elements in whole beef spleens and in mechanically separated spleen pulp (MSS) and its connective tissue residue was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. There were greater amounts of potassium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, and magnesium in MSS than in the whole spleen. Zinc was more concentrated in the residue. Upon cooking, larger quantities of potassium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, magnesium, and tin were noted in MSS than in the raw samples. Content of potassium, phosphorus, sodium, tin and zinc also increased in cooked whole spleen samples as compared to uncooked samples. Silicon content decreased with cooking in both the MSS and whole spleen samples.