Problem
Irresponsible transspecies organ transplantation
Other Names:
XenotransplantationOrgan transplants from other mammals
Use of organs from transgenic animals
Cross-species transplants
Xenotransplants
Transgenics
Incidence:
The first attempts to use animal organs in people date from 1905. In 1992, there were two unsuccessful attempts to transplant baboon livers into humans. The first transgenic pigs were created in 1993. Human-immune-system genes were inserted into the pig embryos and so they develop with organs that contain human complement chemicals. In theory, this means that the human immune system should be unable to distinguish these organs from human ones, and that the pig's organs would be capable of being transplanted into humans without tissue rejection. Medical specialists are concerned about cross-species disease transmission as a side-effect of the procedure.
Broader Problems:
Hazards of biotechnologyDehumanization of health careHuman use of animal by-products Related Problems:
Creation of transgenic plants and animalsDiscriminatory preferences in organ transplants Aggravates:
ZoonosesHealth risks to organ recipientsCruel treatment of animals for researchDehumanization of man in the technological process Strategies:
Developing artificial organs Subject(s):
Biosciences → Evolution and speciesBiosciences → Genetics
Birds, Mammals → Mammals
Health Care → Surgery
Medicine → Physiology
Societal Problems → Irresponsibility
Zoology → Animals
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST