Abstract
Summary
An experimental model of anemia (decrease in venous hematocrit) in association with chronic inflammation has been described. It was readily induced in adult female C57B1/6 mice by the intraperitoneal injection of 25% allogeneic C3H or syngeneic C57B1/6 erythrocytes emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant. Direct Coombs tests were negative but hemolysis was a significant factor. Increased plasma volume appeared to be a second important component. Splenomegaly, peritoneal inflammation and fibrosis, hyperplasia of the reticuloendothelial system, plasmocytosis, and miliary hepatic granulomata occurred when the adjuvant was intraperitoneally injected. The intensity of these reactions bore a close relationship to the anemia. Splenectomy prevented hemolysis and modified the anemia but it did not totally abolish the events producing the increased plasma volume and decreased venous hematocrit.
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