Spleen autotransplantation in mice: A novel experimental model for immunology study

The aim of the experimental model to develop a spleen transplant model in m ice to study the role of spleen in autoimmune and transplant rejection. Aft er a midline incision, splenectomy was performed. Four tiny segments were c ut from the removed spleen and were rinsed at room temperature in physiolog ical salt solution. The greater omentum was lifted and four omental pockets were created; four thin segments were then placed into the "nests," subseq uently marked, and fixed using 8-0 suture. The abdomen was then closed. The duration of the survival time was different among the nine groups (n = 3-3 ). Tissue samples were taken from the marked areas for histological examina tion stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). H&E staining demonstrated la rge, well-circumscribed splenic nests with lymphoid zone and red pulp and w ell-formed trabecules in the spleen. Among the possible applications of thi s novel model is the ability to study the role of spleen in autoimmune and organ rejection. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.