Monday, May 16, 2011

Scientists discover adult stem cells in lungs

Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston discovered adult stem cells in human lungs which were able to create a variety of different types of cells used in the lungs.
When these human cells were injected into mice, they showed their versatility by rebuilding airways, air sacs and blood vessels within two weeks. One expert called that “amazing.”

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Loscalzo said it’s too early to tell what lung diseases might be treated someday by using the cells. He said researchers are initially looking at emphysema and high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, called pulmonary hypertension. Emphysema is a progressive disease that destroys key parts of the lung, leaving large cavities that interfere with the lung’s function.

Anversa said the cells may also prove useful to build up lungs after lung cancer surgery. It’s not clear whether they could be used in treating asthma, he said.


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