Regeneration and function of autologous splenic grafts in pigs.

The growth kinetics, perfusion and immune response of autotransplanted splenic tissue were studied in pigs. Splenic fragments were transplanted subfascially or in the greater omentum and regenerated to small splenules with a normal histologic structure 6 months later. The grafts showed a normal function of the white pulp after antigenic stimulation, and of the red pulp as demonstrated scintigraphically. The blood flow was reduced. The growth kinetic was less rapid than in rodents and resulted in a relatively lower mass of splenic tissue, but these results are closer to findings in human splenosis.