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Overview

Xenotransplantation is the process that involves the transplantation, implantation, or infusion of nonhuman organs, tissues, or cells into a human recipient. Demand for human organs for transplantation is always higher than supply. Therefore, doctors and genetic engineers promoted the implementation of animal or nonhuman organs in xenotransplantation. Due to a severe organ shortage worldwide and other reasons, pig-to-human heart xenotransplantation is the only conceivably life-saving solution. Pigs are a promising benefactor for xenotransplantation as they share many physiological and anatomical characteristics with humans. The pig's heart undergoes ten genetic changes, in addition to a novel immunosuppressant given to the patient and a cocaine-laced solution used to breed the heart.





Citation:  

Heiner Niemann, B. P. (2016, January 28). The production of multi-transgenic pigs: update and perspectives for xenotransplantation. Retrieved from SpringerLink: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11248-016-9934-8.pdf


Rozenbaum, M. (2022, January 20). Pig to human heart transplants: How did we get here? Understanding Animal Research. Retrieved February 26, 2023, from https://www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/news/how-did-we-get-to-pig-hearts-in-humans 

  

 

 

 

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