The glands were then transplanted into the mice the natural glands were taken from. Once transplanted, the tissue matured then eventually connected with the mouse's nervous system and tear and saliva ducts. The glands and ducts produced fluids when given the correct stimuli. It's amazing how science can do so many things nowadays and has little restrictions. If a person has a deformed duct or gland I'm guessing that they can fix it by transplanting a new one. Science has come a long way from what they were limited to in the past, I think they are only going to advance even more.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266952.php
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-120729-In-lab-dish,-scientists-make-tear-and-saliva-glands
The article was very insightful. The research involving developing a treatment for dry-eye disease, which is caused by lacrimal gland failure to lubricate the eyelid, is extremely promising. I was unaware that it is one of the most common eye diseases that cause corneal epithelial damage with the end result a significant loss of vision and a reduction in the quality of life.
ReplyDeleteThis bio-engineered salivary gland that researchers transplanted restored the secretory gland function. This would provide a new option to treat and maintain one’s healthy eye surface. Clinical trials and availability to the general population will require years of testing. The pharmaceutical companies would lose billions of dollars because it would reduce the need for the current products that are used daily by millions of people.