All of the following are functions of the spleen EXCEPT ?

Functions of spleen:- 1. Phagocytic function -- when any foreign body invades, macrophages ingest them by phagocytosis & liberate the antigenic products of the organism -- antigens activate the helper T lymphocytes & B lymphocytes 2. Secretion of bactericidal agents -- secrete many bactericidal agents which kill the bacteria I. Superoxide (02-) II. Hydrogen peroxide (H202) III. Hydroxyl ions (OH -) 3. Secretion of interleukins -- IL-1: accelerate maturation & proliferation of specific B lymphocytes & T lymphocytes -- IL-6: cause growth of B lymphocytes -- IL-12: influence the T-helper cells Through the reticuloendothelial system the spleen clears encapsulated bacteria such as pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae which are poorly opsonized from the hepatic reticuloendothelial system. In addition to these functions the spleen serves as an extramedullary site for hematopoiesis and plays a functional role in the recycling of iron. While the white pulp of the spleen is impoant in the initiation of the adaptive immune response, material is delivered to the spleen through the blood and not the lymph.