Histological findings of hypersplenism after experimental intraperitoneal injection of methyl cellulose and ligature of the splenic artery in rats.

The intraperitoneal injection of methyl cellulose in rats causes splenomegaly and hypersplenism. Clusters of foam cells in form of granulomas develop. They are containing methyl cellulose. The ligature of the splenic artery damages mainly the white pulp. Even after ligature of the splenic artery absorption of methyl cellulose continues. The reticular cells released by the reticulum remain capable of phagocytic action. After previous injection of methyl cellulose the ligature of the splenic artery causes normalization of the peripheral blood values.