Abstract:

Objective

To investigate the changes in concentration and distribution of Ca²⁺ in splenic macrophage (M_φ) in hypersplenism due to portal hypertension (PH), providing the evidence for discussing the changes and the immune function of PH spleen.

Methods

Twelve patients with hypersplenism due to PH and four patients with traumatic rupture of spleen were regarded as hypersplenia and control group respectively.Using Fluo-3/AM as indicator,the concentration and distribution of Ca²⁺in splenic M_φ were detected by laser confocal microscope and flow cytometry,respectively.

Results

As compared to control group,the concentration of Ca²⁺in PH spleen M_φ were increased significantly (48.75±2.61 vs 39.92±1.76, P＜0.05). There were many pseudopod-like prominency with Fluo-3 fluorescence positive on the surface of PH splenic M_φ.

Conclusions

The concentration of Ca²⁺in PH spleen M_φis increased significantly.It further supports the viewpoint that the PH splenic M_φretained at activated state.But it still needs to be cleared that the mechanism of changes in the concentration and distribution of Ca²⁺and its effects on immune function ofPH spleen.

Key words: Hypertension,portal, Hypersplenism, Macrophages, Ca²⁺