Xenotransplantation Of Stem Cells

National Geographic News reports on the prospects for using pig embryonic stem cells to regrow damaged human tissue. Xenotransplantation is beset by all sorts of biochemical obstacles, but medical science is advancing to the point at which we can start to see ways around these roadblocks. "By implantation of pig embryonic tissues into immune-deficient mice, we have now determined for the first time distinct gestational time windows for the growth of transplanted pig embryonic liver, pancreas, and lung precursor tissue into functioning tissue ... Using pig tissue to replace failing human organs could help patients with diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's, and liver failure."

Link: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/02/0215_050215_transplant.html

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