Why Xenotransplantation experts love pigs?

Hello, Kidney Friends!

The role of the pig in solving the severe challenge of organ shortage is particularly glaring, almost as if it were an indispensable ally. But what is behind this choice, and why do we choose pigs over other animals? Among them, must have its unique reasons and considerations. We’ve covered this before, but if you’re interested check out:为什么是二师兄？异种移植中当之无愧的主角today we’re going to talk more about why it isn’t monkeys, apes and other animals that are very popular with readers backstage?

Part One

While medical scientists have tried to use primates such as baboons and orangutans as sources for xenotransplantation, pigs have become a priority in clinical trials for a number of scientific reasons.

Part Two

For one thing, pigs are easier to get than primates, which are more common in zoos. Pigs reproduce quickly and efficiently. A pig can give birth to 5-12 piglets. It takes only 6 months for a pig to grow to the size of a human organ. Baboons, on the other hand, take 3 to 5 years to reach sexual maturity, have only one or two offspring at a time, and take 9 years to reach full size.

Part Three

Second, the organs of pigs are very similar in size and physiological function to those of humans, making them ideal organ donors. We all know that a transplant involves“Connecting” the blood vessels of the donor and recipient. The anatomy and blood circulation of a pig heart are similar to those of a human heart, and the pig kidney and liver are similar to those of a human liver and kidney, making surgery easier. Baboons, on the other hand, don’t have organs big enough for adults to use, just like a pony pulling a cart, adding to the strain.

Part Four

In addition,

blood type matching is often a consideration in transplantation, but pigs have a relatively simple blood type system, and primate organs require more stringent blood type matching. At the same time, pigs are less likely than baboons to contract animal-borne diseases after an organ transplant.

At the Boston Massachusetts General Hospital, surgeons have transplanted genetically modified pig kidneys into a living person for the first time. Michelle Roth Massachusetts General Hospital

In general, pigs were selected as organ donors based on their similarity to human organs, rapid reproductive capacity, and great advances in genetic engineering. Together, these factors make pigs a revolutionary option in the field of xenotransplantation. With the progress of Science and technology, we have reason to believe that pig organ transplantation will be more and more widely used, for those waiting for organ transplant patients with hope.

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