http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/48/2/497?etoc=
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Abstract
Background and Purpose—Immune
responses to brain antigens after stroke contribute to poor outcome. We
hypothesized that splenectomy would lessen the development of such
responses and improve outcome.
Methods—Male
Lewis rats (275–350 g) underwent 2-hour middle cerebral artery
occlusion immediately after splenectomy or sham splenectomy. Animals
were survived to 4 weeks (672 hrs), and immune responses to myelin basic
protein determined at euthanasia. Infarct volume was determined in a
subset of animals euthanized at 72 hours. Behavioral outcomes were
assessed to 672 hours.
Results—Splenectomy
was associated with worse neurological scores early after stroke, but
infarct size at 72 hours was similar in both groups. Behavioral outcomes
and immune responses to myelin basic protein were also similar among
splenectomized and sham-operated animals 672 hours after middle cerebral
artery occlusion.
Conclusions—Splenectomy
did not alter the immune responses to brain antigens or improve outcome
after stroke. Differences between this study and other studies of
splenectomy and stroke are examined.
