Splenic pigment deposition in C57BL mice — an age-related phenomenon?

Abstract

Pigment deposition in the spleen, seen as dark brown discolouration predominantly in the cranial part of the spleen, is a common finding in many mice of C57BL sublines. In a series of studies with C57BL mice the incidence of mice with this
condition were observed to be reduced with age. The staining properties of the pigment observed suggested that the pigment predominantly consisted of melanin. The pathogenmis of spleen pigmentation is still unclear. To further shed light on
the mechanism behind the present observation of an age—related reduction in splenic pigmentation in mice of C57BL sublines more advanced studies is needed.