Zhong nan da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban = Journal of Central South University. Medical sciences
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Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban · Feb 2007
Prospects of using organs and cells from pigs for transplantation into humans.
Once pig organs can be transplanted into humans, transplantation will move into a new era. There will be unlimited access to undamaged organs, and cells for transplantation and, eventually, donation from deceased or live human beings will become obsolete. Furthermore, it will be possible to alleviate graft rejection, at least in part, by genetic modification of the source animal. ⋯ This article will first discuss the ongoing work with regards to overcoming the current obstacles. Also, the many potential advantages of using pig organs will be discussed in some detail. Furthermore, lessons learned from attempts at transplanting porcine cells to patients will be reviewed.