Abstract

PIGS BECOME PROMISING ANIMALS FOR XENOTRANSPLANTATION CORRECTING HUMAN ORGAN TRANSPLANT CRISIS

S. Shruthi*, Chandra Sekhara Rao Baru, G. Gayathri and M. Sindhu Reddy

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Abstract

Xenotransplantation/ cross species transplantation is the transplant/implant/ infusion from a non-human animal to humanbeings.[1] Many trails are made in this aspect as there is a demand for organs in place of failed organs and many deaths reported with vital organs deficiency. Primate organs failed because of rejection, surgical complications and risk of viral transmission. Larger primates are classed as endangered species. So the porcine/pig (Suscrofa domesticus) became animal of choice due to easy breeding, large/multiple litters, rapid maturation, sizes of the organs similar to that of humans and their cells suitability for genetic engineering. Pigs are genetically modified by altering (or) changing their DNA and this GE (genetically edited) pigs are used for transplantation to prevent rejection reactions and zoonosis. As many animals are slaughtered for consumption, the ethical issue in life saving aspect need not to be considered. The pigs kidneys, skin, cornea, heart, heart valves, liver, axon tracts, pancreatic islets can be used for transplantation. This is bringing a step closer for transplants due to deficiency from human cadavers. Recently pig's kidneys had been transplanted into a braindead man where the results were excellent.

Keywords: Xenotransplantation, Primates, Genetic engineering, Rejection reactions.