Spleen Factor: The Spleen’s Role as a Respiratory Organ

Rafael Lorenzo G Valenzuela; Manuel C Jorge; Mark Anthony S Sandoval

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Spleen Factor: The Spleen’s Role as a Respiratory Organ

Author: Rafael Lorenzo G. Valenzuela ¹ ; Manuel C. Jorge ^{1
,

2
,

3} ; Mark Anthony S. Sandoval ^{1
,

2
,

4}
Author Information

1. College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila
2. Department of Physiology, University of the Philippines Manila
3. Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital
4. Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Spleen; divers; apnea training
MeSH: Spleen; apnea
From: Philippine Journal of Internal Medicine 2020;59(1):1-6
CountryPhilippines
Language:English
Abstract: The Bajaus’ ability to free dive for prolonged periods is attributed to their exceptional physiologic response and large spleens. The spleen has been traditionally viewed as a hematologic and immunologic organ. Unconventionally, this review explores the spleen’s role as a respiratory organ and how apnea training can enhance the spleen’s form and function. Eligible articles obtained from Pubmed were discussed. The selected studies have shown that an 8-week home-based apnea training regimen can enhance the spleen volume by as much as 24% and that prolonged apnea training can increase both splenic contraction and baseline serum hemoglobin levels. However, the sample size and heterogeneity of these studies largely limit the generalizability of these findings. Thus, several future studies are needed to further explore the spleen’s respiratory function in humans.
Full text:6 2020-061 Final Version.pdf