Xenotransplantation
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- Date Submitted: 11/19/2014 03:31 PM
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Xenotransplantation
Xenotransplantation is transplantation from one species to another; for example, from a pig to a human. The term covers transplantation of solid organs (such as kidney or heart), tissues (such as skin) or clusters of specialised cells (such as brain cells or the pancreatic cells that produce insulin).
Xenotransplantation can also involve the infusion or transplantation of body fluids, tissues or cells that have been in contact with the tissues or cells of another species outside the recipient's body. For example, a person might be treated for liver failure by having their blood passed through an artificial device containing pig liver cells.
Some nonliving animal devices, such as pig heart valves, have been used in humans for many years. Xenotransplants differ from these devices in that they are alive and can perform the same functions as the organ, tissue or cells that they replace.
Transplantation between members of the same species is known as allotransplantation, and in humans this is a very successful way to treat a variety of illnesses. However, very few human tissues and organs are available for transplantation, so that many patients who could benefit from a transplant wait in vain for a suitable donor. Transplant specialists are therefore considering animals as a possible source of organs and tissues for human transplantation. The greatest benefit of xenotransplantation would be a potentially unlimited supply of cells, tissues and organs for use in humans.
Recent advances in technology have increased the possibility of successful xenotransplantation and stimulated research in this area. For example, genetic engineering has allowed human genes to be inserted into pigs so that their cells, tissues and organs are less likely to be rejected when transplanted into humans.
Xenotransplantation has the potential to treat a wide range of life-threatening or debilitating conditions. For example, it is possible that isolated cells could...
Xenotransplantation is transplantation from one species to another; for example, from a pig to a human. The term covers transplantation of solid organs (such as kidney or heart), tissues (such as skin) or clusters of specialised cells (such as brain cells or the pancreatic cells that produce insulin).
Xenotransplantation can also involve the infusion or transplantation of body fluids, tissues or cells that have been in contact with the tissues or cells of another species outside the recipient's body. For example, a person might be treated for liver failure by having their blood passed through an artificial device containing pig liver cells.
Some nonliving animal devices, such as pig heart valves, have been used in humans for many years. Xenotransplants differ from these devices in that they are alive and can perform the same functions as the organ, tissue or cells that they replace.
Transplantation between members of the same species is known as allotransplantation, and in humans this is a very successful way to treat a variety of illnesses. However, very few human tissues and organs are available for transplantation, so that many patients who could benefit from a transplant wait in vain for a suitable donor. Transplant specialists are therefore considering animals as a possible source of organs and tissues for human transplantation. The greatest benefit of xenotransplantation would be a potentially unlimited supply of cells, tissues and organs for use in humans.
Recent advances in technology have increased the possibility of successful xenotransplantation and stimulated research in this area. For example, genetic engineering has allowed human genes to be inserted into pigs so that their cells, tissues and organs are less likely to be rejected when transplanted into humans.
Xenotransplantation has the potential to treat a wide range of life-threatening or debilitating conditions. For example, it is possible that isolated cells could...