Mini-lungs grown in the laboratory were transplanted to mice

Copper news based on ScienceDaily: Lab-grown mini lungs successfully transplanted into mice

American researchers from the University of Michigan have grown mini-lungs in the laboratory and transplanted them to mice. The transplantation was successful. Jason Spence said that the lungs created in this way turned out to be almost indistinguishable from human lung tissues in many characteristics.

At first, scientists managed to grow mini-bronchi and alveolar sacs in the laboratory. However, they failed to carry out a successful transplant of these structures. Then the researchers created a biodegradable framework on which human pluripotent stem cells were cultured. Thanks to a frame made of poly-(lactide-co-glycoside), the mini-lungs retained a constant shape.

After transplantation, the cells covering the skeleton continue to mature and divide – eight weeks after transplantation, immunodeficient mice formed structures that are largely similar in structure to human lungs. The mini-lungs contained specialized lung tissue cells: for example, mucus-producing cells, ciliated cells and stem cells. They are also found in the lung tissues of adults. Note that the animal's body was used only as an incubator for cultivation and maturation.

The authors believe that artificial lungs can be used to test new drugs and study gene expression. In addition, it will be possible to grow tissues suitable for transplantation in this way. Scientists note that, despite the success of medicine, respiratory diseases still continue to be one of the leading causes of death of people around the world.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru 09.11.2016