The Effect of in Vitro Irradiation on the Subsequent Growth of Ectopic Splenic Autoimplants 1

Abstract

Summary and Conclusions

From these data we conclude:

1. In vitro irradiation of splenic fragments with doses less than 1500 rads does not prevent subsequent regeneration of splenic autoimplants in splenectomized rats.

2. The relative radioresistance of this regenerative process suggests that splenic regeneration is dependent upon the viability of stromal elements. Once the stroma is reconstituted, it is probably'seeded by circulating lymphohemopoietic cells to form recognizable splenic tissue. In this respect the process is similar to that seen in regenerating marrow tissue.

3. The relative radioresistance of splenic stroma must be taken into account when irradiation is considered as a therapeutic measure for management of splenic disorders.