The Effect of Splenectomy on the Megakaryocyte and Platelet Count in the Blood of Rats

The effect of splenectomy on the number of circulating megakaryocytes and blood platelets was investigated 1 to 28 d after intervention in female rats. No significant change in the number of circulating megakaryocytes was found and the distribution of megakaryocytes with and without cytoplasm was the same. The blood platelet count rose steeply after the 2nd day, reached a maximum on the 6th day (192 % of the initial value), and then gradually fell. An increased count was still found on the 28th day (125 % of the initial value).