The Effect of Splenectomy on Erythropoiesis in the Dog

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Abstract
Splenectomized dogs treated with 1g of chlortetracycline daily, and given Cr51 and 2-C14 glycine, showed a postoperative elevation of the platelet and leukocyte counts for at least 15 weeks. There was a 15-22% reduction in the peripheral hematocrit, a 31% reduction in the total circulating red cell volume and a 16-18% reduction in the plasma volume. There was no significant alteration in the red cell life span as estimated from Cr51 and C14 studies. The plasma iron turnover and red cell iron turnover were reduced 32-36%. The rate of red cell synthesis and red cell volume were reduced 25%. The reticulocyte percentage and intravascular reticulocyte maturation time were increased.