ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of splenectomy on development and progression of implanted hepatic tumors by establishing implanted hepatic tumor rat model with portal hypertension. MethodsRat cirrhosis with portal hypertension models were built by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride, and then the rats were randomly divided into two groups. Group A was subjected to splenectomy and implantation of Walker-256 tumor tissue on the left lobe of liver, and group B was only subjected to implantation of tumor tissue. T-lymphocyte subsets CD4, CD8 and CD4/CD8 of two groups were examined 10 days after implantation of tumor tissue; the left lobe of liver was resected and the maximal tumor size was measured; expression of Ki-67 was detected by immunohistochemical method in the tumor tissues. ResultsThe results of blood routine test and liver function test were obviously abnormal in rat model of portal hypertension. The levels of CD4 and CD4/CD8 in group A were higher than those in group B (0.36±0.01 vs 0.35±0.02,1.33±0.08 vs 1.24±0.05; P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the level of CD8 in group A was lower than that of CD8 in group B (0.27±0.01 vs 0.29±0.02, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the diameter of hepatic tumor between the two groups. Ki-67-positive rate of tumor in group A was lower than that in group B (P<0.05). ConclusionSplenectomy in portal hypertension rats can not only help to improve the immunity against hepatic tumor, but also decrease the invasive ability of the hepatic tumor to some extent.