MORPHOLOGY OF THE SPLENIC CAPSULE AND TRABECULAE IN EXPERIMENTAL CARBON MONOXIDE INTOXICATION

Abstract

Carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication remains a significant public health concern due to its widespread environmental and occupational occurrence. Chronic exposure to carbon monoxide leads to tissue hypoxia, oxidative stress, microcirculatory disturbances, and structural alterations in various organs, including components of the immune system. The spleen, as the largest secondary lymphoid organ, plays a crucial role in immune surveillance, hematopoiesis, and blood filtration. The splenic capsule and trabecular system form the structural framework of the organ and are essential for maintaining its architecture and function. The present review examines morphological changes occurring in the splenic capsule and trabeculae under conditions of experimental carbon monoxide intoxication. Particular attention is given to histopathological alterations associated with chronic hypoxia, oxidative stress, vascular disturbances, and connective tissue remodeling. Experimental evidence suggests that prolonged CO exposure induces thickening of the capsule, fibrosis, vascular congestion, and structural disorganization of trabecular components, which may contribute to impaired splenic function.