Authors: Jan-Rung Mo, Anjili Mathur, Minilik Angagaw, Shuxia Zhao, Yuxun Wang, Diana Gargano, Alessandra DiBacco, Eric S. Bachman
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007286
Abstract Summary
Researchers found that the spleen plays a crucial role in polycythemia vera (PV), a blood disorder caused by JAK2 mutations. Using mouse models, they discovered that removing the spleen completely prevented elevated red blood cell counts, even though bone marrow disease persisted. When splenectomy was performed after PV developed, blood counts normalized rapidly. This suggests the spleen is essential for PV’s hallmark symptom.
Why Brain? ðŸ§
Splenectomy prevents elevated red blood cell counts in mice with polycythemia vera, suggesting the spleen plays a crucial role in disease development beyond just being enlarged tissue.
The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.
