Abstract
Summary
Experiments were undertaken, with rats, to determine whether the spleen plays a role in choline chloride-induced reticuloendothelial system (RES) phagocytic stimulation and protection against circulatory shock. Choline pretreatment of normal, intact, but not splenectomized rats, resulted in heightened RES phagocytic stimulation and protection against acute hemorrhagic shock. Choline pretreatment significantly increased spleen size in normal intact rats. Wet liver or lung weights were not significantly affected by choline pretreatment of either normal or splenectomized rats. Untreated, splenectomized animals did not demonstrate any significant alterations in either RES phagocytic activity or RE organ wet weights when compared to normal, intact controls or to sham-operated animals. Although the results of these experiments make it clear that the presence of a functioning spleen is necessary for choline-induced RES stimulation and shock protection, it is not clear as to just how these actions are brought about. Further exploration is warranted in view of the clinical implications of these findings.
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