Changes in Splenic Weight Associated with Hibernation in Bats.

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Abstract
Data show that, in several spp. of North American bats, erythrocytes, and possibly whole blood, are stored in the spleen during hibernation, and are rapidly returned to circulation as the bats become active. This storage accounts for an increase in splenic weight of 500% in Myotis sodalis. Experiments are cited in which exposed spleens were observed during the awakening process. Erythrocyte counts of circulating blood were considerably lower in hibernating bats than in active ones. The rapidity with which these splenic changes occur related to the ability of such bats to emerge rapidly from deep hibernation, as well as from various degrees of "daytime sleep.".

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