| Summary: | Objecive: It is well known that splenectomy increases the risk of infections, mainly those caused by encapsulated bacteria. These complications are related to higher mortality and lower survival rates in asplenic individuals. The purpose of this study was to assess the mortality of rats submitted to total splenectomy. Methods: this is an experimental study. Thirty-four rats were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 14): control animals, submitted only to laparotomy; Group 2 (n = 20): animals submitted to splenectomy. Both groups were subdivided into two subgroups: Subgroup A, male rats, and Subgroup B, female rats. The animals were observed during a 90-day period to assess their mortality. Rresults: The mortality of animals in Group 2 was 80% for males and 30% for females. No deaths occurred among the animals of Group 1. The splenectomized males had significantly higher mortality rates than the splenectomized females (p = 0.034). Cconclusions: According to results of this study, total splenectomy increases mortality among rats. Murine females demonstrated greater resistance to the asplenic state, and therefore presented lower mortality rates when compared to male rats.
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