Splenomegaly: Pathophysiological bases and therapeutic options

Campbell V McKenzie; Chanukya K Colonne; Jia Hao Yeo; Stuart T Fraser

doi:10.1016/j.biocel.2017.11.011

Splenomegaly: Pathophysiological bases and therapeutic options

Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2018 Jan:94:40-43. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2017.11.011. Epub 2017 Dec 2.

Authors

Campbell V McKenzie¹, Chanukya K Colonne¹, Jia Hao Yeo², Stuart T Fraser³

Affiliations

¹ Laboratory of Blood Cell Development, Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.
² Laboratory of Blood Cell Development, Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia; Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.
³ Laboratory of Blood Cell Development, Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia; Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia; Australian Institute of Nanoscale Science and Technology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia; Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia. Electronic address: stuart.fraser@sydney.edu.au.

PMID: 29191734
DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2017.11.011

Abstract

The spleen is the largest immune organ in the human body and is also essential for red blood cell homeostasis and iron recycling. An average human spleen is approximately 10 centimetres in length and weighs 150g. Pathological conditions can result in the spleen weighing in excess of 2000g and extending over 30 centrimetres in length. This remarkable property of the spleen to expand is termed splenomegaly. Splenomegaly can occur as a physiological response to stress or as a chronic process that is often detrimental to the wellbeing of the individual. Here, we will discuss the normal function and physiology of the spleen, the pathophysiological bases of splenomegaly and the commonly available therapeutic options. Additionally we will address experimental systems to determine the regulatory mechanisms underlying splenomegaly.

Keywords: Congestion; Infiltration; Spleen; Splenomegaly; Work hypertrophy.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Hematopoiesis, Extramedullary
Humans
Models, Biological*
Regeneration
Spleen / immunology
Spleen / pathology
Spleen / physiology
Spleen / physiopathology*
Splenomegaly / etiology
Splenomegaly / pathology
Splenomegaly / physiopathology*
Splenomegaly / therapy
Stress, Physiological