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Selected physiologic compatibilities and incompatibilities between human and porcine organ systems
Author(s) -
Ibrahim Zuhaib,
Busch Jamie,
Awwad Michel,
Wagner Robert,
Wells Kevin,
Cooper David K. C.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
xenotransplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.052
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1399-3089
pISSN - 0908-665X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-3089.2006.00346.x
Subject(s) - xenotransplantation , transplantation , economic shortage , organ transplantation , kidney , islet , biology , medicine , organ system , pathology , diabetes mellitus , endocrinology , linguistics , philosophy , government (linguistics) , disease
The shortage of donor organs is a major barrier to clinical organ transplantation. Although xenotransplantation is considered one of the alternatives to human organ transplantation, there are immunologic and physiologic incompatibilities between humans and pigs. With the exception of coagulation, the major potential physiologic incompatibilities relating to function of the kidney, heart, liver, lungs, pancreatic islets, and hormones are reviewed. Some of these physiologic differences can be overcome by producing genetically altered pigs to improve compatibility with humans. The possibility of producing such pigs for organ transplantation is considered.