Splenic autoimplantation in omentum and stomach, hematoimmunological follow-up and B-cell repertoire in the graft.

Introduction: Splenic autoimplantation appears to be the only alternative to preserve splenic tissue after splenectomy; however, its relevance is still controversial We intended to study splenic autoimplantation in the greater omentum and stomach wall of rabbits and analyze its hematoimmunological performance and the preservation of original structures.

Methods: New Zealand rabbits were divided in two groups: autoimplanted (A) (n=13) and splenectomized (S) (n=4). The animals of group A underwent autoimplantation of splenic fragments in the greater omentum and gastric wall Both groups were evaluated by hemocytological tests, scintigraphy, immunoglobulin and C3 dosages, before the surgery and 2 and 4 months afterwards.