Increase in spleen volume of rats on experimental model of pre-hepatic portal hypertension.

Background: Pressure increase in the portal venous system, caused by reduction of blood supply to the liver, develops collateral circulation of splanchnic vessel that reaches the venous system of superior vena cava. The spleen works as an auxiliary capacitance system which compensates the increase in portal pressure that may cause splenomegaly.

Aim: To reproduce experimental model of pre-hepatic portal hypertension by reducing the caliber of the vein, allowing the study of alterations in the rat's spleen in this situation.