Author Topic: Xenotransplantation  (Read 1689 times)

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Offline BoGAn

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Xenotransplantation
« on: Sep 28, 2005, 07:11PM »
Rather than do my assignment on this, i thought id throw this topic out for discussion and see what others think.

Basically xenotransplantation involves using the organs from another species as donors to treat human diseases. Got end stage liver disease? No worries, we'll give you a liver out of a pig. Pigs are preferentially used for several reasons:
-their organs are a close match in size to the human
-they are easy to raise in captivity (compared to primates)

Reasons for xenotransplantation are many:
-there are not enough organs available for those who need them
-human donor organs that are available may be infected, eg. with hepatitis
-organs raised in an animal may be genetically modified to be a better match with the recipient

However its not all peachy
-ethical reasons - religion etc animal cruelty
-rejection of transplant - this is a common problem all transplants
-need for immune system suppression - to deal with rejection. The downside to this is that opportunistic infection is more likely
-infection with viruses from the donor organ. This is what my assignment is mainly on. While its shit boring, its important. All pigs have endogenous viruses within their cells which may infect the human, though experiments are inconclusive at this time.
-also, human viruses (were all infected with various viral agents) may attack the donor organ.

Thats basically a brief overview of the topic. Theres much more but it starts to get too detailed. Im interested in what people outside the science community think about this kind of thing, and whether or not theyd support it.

Personally I think its a good idea. If all the kinks can be worked out it represents a viable intervention to help many people

Offline Jecks

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Re: Xenotransplantation
« Reply #1 on: Sep 28, 2005, 08:32PM »
yea id have to say im all for it... i dont see how animal cruelty comes into it, i mean most of us eat meat any, and if any ethical reasons rise up to do with (they are raised only to be killed for thair organs) well the same thing applies... they are usually raised for us to eat so if they are raised in a controlled environment where disease can be minimised etc then i see no problem... as long as our bodies dont reject it and they funstion fine, i see nothing wrong... although i have to admit this is the first ive heard of something like this (except with rob snieder in "the animal") it will take a while to get used to the idea... a GOOD idea non the less...
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Offline Jono

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Re: Xenotransplantation
« Reply #2 on: Sep 28, 2005, 08:38PM »
Agreed, I don't see anything wrong with it, providing the animals are raised in a disease-free environment. There will definitely be some naysayers, but I think most level-headed people would be for it.

I'm still staying on the Organ Donor Register, though. What would I need my organs for after I'm dead?
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Offline eurisko

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Re: Xenotransplantation
« Reply #3 on: Sep 28, 2005, 09:16PM »
Tricky subject... but i would like to see a study on long term effects. Ud have to be on antibiotics and anti rejection drugs ur entire life...

Now using Stem cells... thats the key... (oh dear... now ive done it!)

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Offline Sticky

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Re: Xenotransplantation
« Reply #4 on: Sep 28, 2005, 11:31PM »
im all for it, bring on the pig testicles.... :P

seriously, i recon we should give it a shot, what harm can come from a little cross species experimentation?

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Offline Complexity

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Re: Xenotransplantation
« Reply #5 on: Sep 28, 2005, 11:39PM »
I think it's a good idea... I've studied xenotransplants before and as with most transplants immunosuppresants are necessary. What I think is a good idea and a new avenue to consider is stem cells and the development of human organs from those... this is really controversial but I personally don't see too much of a problem if the stem cells are obtained sensibly.

Offline Dano Da Bomb

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Re: Xenotransplantation
« Reply #6 on: Sep 29, 2005, 01:22PM »
call me old fashioned but if your going to die your going to die why extend it?? But on the other hand for young kids etc its a good idea
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