Splenic development and injury in premature lambs supported by the artificial placenta

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study is to evaluate splenic effects during artificial placenta (AP) support. Methods AP lambs (118–121 d, n = 14) were delivered and placed on the AP support for a goal of 10–14 days. Cannulation used right jugular drainage and umbilical vein reinfusion. Early (ETC; 115–120 d; n = 7) and late (LTC; 125–131 d; n = 7) tissue controls were delivered and immediately sacrificed. Spleens were formalin fixed, HE p = 0.311). There were significantly more pigmented macrophages (p = 0.008), CD163 (p =  Conclusions During AP support, spleens appear to develop normally and exhibit an appropriate inflammatory response. After initiation of AP support, EMH transitions away from the spleen. Study Type Research Paper/Therapeutic Potential. Level of Evidence N/A.