Immune System

Spleen - Erythrophagocytosis

Narrative
Comment:
Erythrophagocytosis in the spleen consists of macrophages (mainly in the splenic red pulp) that phagocytize extravasated, old, and/or damaged erythrocytes (Figure 1 and Figure 2, arrows). Splenic erythrophagocytosis can be increased in such conditions as chronic congestion or hemorrhage, treatment-related hemolytic anemia, or methemoglobinemia or secondary to the presence of malignant neoplasms.
Recommendations:
Diagnose and grade erythrophagocytosis in the spleen if it is considered to be treatment related.
References:

National Toxicology Program. 2000. NTP TR-491. Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Methyleugenol (CAS No. 93-15-2) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies). NTP, Research Triangle Park, NC.

Abstract: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/10172

Stefanski SA, Elwell MR, Stromberg PC. 1990. Spleen, lymph nodes, and thymus. In: Pathology of the Fischer Rat: Reference and Atlas (Boorman GA, Eustis SL, Elwell MR, Montgomery CA, MacKenzie WF, eds). Academic Press, San Diego, 369-394.

Ward JM, Mann PC, Morishima H, Frith CH. 1999. Thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. In: Pathology of the Mouse (Maronpot RR, ed). Cache River Press, Vienna, IL, 333-360.

  • Image of erythrophagocytosis in the spleen from a male B6C3F1/N mouse in a chronic study

    Spleen - Erythrophagocytosis in a male B6C3F1/N mouse from a chronic study. Numerous macrophages (arrows) within the splenic red pulp contain intracytoplasmic erythrocytes.

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Spleen - Erythrophagocytosis in a male B6C3F1/N mouse from a chronic study. Numerous macrophages (arrows) within the splenic red pulp contain intracytoplasmic erythrocytes.
Spleen - Erythrophagocytosis in a male B6C3F1/N mouse from a chronic study. Numerous macrophages (arrows) within the splenic red pulp contain intracytoplasmic erythrocytes.
Spleen - Erythrophagocytosis in a male B6C3F1/N mouse from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 1). Macrophages contain intracytoplasmic erythrocytes and eosinophilic cellular debris (arrows).
Spleen - Erythrophagocytosis in a male B6C3F1/N mouse from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 1). Macrophages contain intracytoplasmic erythrocytes and eosinophilic cellular debris (arrows).

Authors

Kristen Hobbie, DVM, PhD
Principal Pathologist
Huntingdon Life Sciences
Peterborough, UK

Susan A. Elmore, MS, DVM, DACVP, DABT, FIATP
Staff Scientist, NTP Pathologist
NTP Pathology Group
National Toxicology Program
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Research Triangle Park, NC

Holly M. Kolenda-Roberts, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Veterinary Pathologist
SNBL USA
Everett, WA

Reviewers

Jerrold M. Ward, DVM, PhD, DACVP, FIATP
Veterinary Pathologist
Global VetPathology
Montgomery Village, MD

Robert R. Maronpot, DVM, MS, MPH, DACVP, DABT, FIATP
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC