Step I Post Splenectomy Infections

[Enzymes]

So I understand that the splenic macrophages are important for gobbling up opsonized bacteria in the blood. But in first aid, the mechanism for splenic dysfunction is: low IgM, decrease in complement, decrease in C3B opsonization (p. 197 2014). I don't understand where the low IgM is coming from. Any thoughts?

 

[tantacles]

So I understand that the splenic macrophages are important for gobbling up opsonized bacteria in the blood. But in first aid, the mechanism for splenic dysfunction is: low IgM, decrease in complement, decrease in C3B opsonization (p. 197 2014). I don't understand where the low IgM is coming from. Any thoughts?

The spleen has tons of germinal centers. You're removing a huge center of antibody production.

 

[Enzymes]

The spleen has tons of germinal centers. You're removing a huge center of antibody production.

Ah, so you are removing 2 mechanisms of pathogen removal: opsonization and phagocytosis. Thanks.