Embryo and Stem Cell Therapy
There are numerous studies which have investigated the potential benefits of embryonic stem cell therapy in restoring central nervous system function and other functions in humans with impaired cellular function.
In the article "Dopamine neurons derived from embryonic stem cells function in an animal model of Parkinson's disease" the author's objectives are to investigate stem cell therapy as a plausible treatment for Parkinson's disease using animal subjects. Researchers have widely held the belief that embryonic stem cell research would be useful in alleviating the symptoms of Parkinson's. The disease itself typically results according to the authors when midbrain neurons are lost, particularly those neurons that synthesize dopamine, and important neurotransmitter.
Embryonic stem cells can generate dopamine, thus the authors propose that they become the basis for cell therapies. The scope of the study is limited to examination of stem cell function and dopamine production in animal test subjects.
The study results and findings show that midbrain neural stem cells can be derived from embryonic stem cells in a mouse, and that the dopamine neurons generated by the stem cells may provide a cell replacement therapy for Parkinson's. A quantitative approach to investigation was utilized by the researchers whereby DNA fragments of embryonic stem cells were cloned and other cultured cells were used to test the regenerative properties and dopamine producing properties of the cells.
Kim et. al, (2002) approach to embryonic stem cell therapy is grounded in scientific theory that support the use of embryonic stem cells for restoring cellular function, particularly in patient's demonstrating decreased function as a result of injury or illness.
Discussion
Embryonic stem cell therapy is rapidly becoming more common as a source of investigation for many different diseases including Parkinson's. In particular most...
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