Splenectomy protects the kidneys against ischemic reperfusion injury in the rat

Abstract Background Ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury of the kidney is closely associated with delayed graft function, increased acute rejection, and late allograft dysfunction. Splenectomy reduced hepatic I/R injury by inhibiting leukocyte infiltration in the liver, release of TNF-α, cell apoptosis, and expression of caspase-3. Thus, we investigated the effects of splenectomy on renal I/R injury in the rat. Methods Male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: sham operation (sham group), sham operation + splenectomy (sham + SPLN group), right nephrectomy followed by clamping the left renal pedicle for 30 min (I/R 30 group), and I/R 30 + splenectomy (I/R 30 + SPLN group). Renal function was determined by measuring the concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (S-Cr). The serum level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was measured as the marker for inflammation. Left kidneys were obtained 24 h after reperfusion. TUNEL assay was assessed for cell apoptosis. Spleens were obtained immediately (0-h group) and 3 h after reperfusion (3-h group). The removed spleens were histologically evaluated. Results The BUN and S-Cr levels were significantly lower in the I/R 30 + SPLN group than in the I/R 30 group (p  Conclusion These results suggest that splenectomy reduces renal I/R injury, and this effect may occur by an anti-inflammatory pathway and inhibition of cell apoptosis.