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To: ASA Vet
This isn't a crevo issue.

And how dare the skeptics voice concern over animal-to-human transplants! What's the worst that could happen? (degredation of the humane genome, death, suffering)

First you give the recipient immunosupressants (e.g., Cyclosporin) and/or steroids, basically rendering their immune system inoperable, then introduce animal organs which may or may not work and which may also contain uniquely-animal viruses that can contaminate the human genome forever. The viruses can 'jump' species barriers and be passed both horizontally (e.g., needles) and vertically (offspring). Furthermore, animal organs weren't designed to support the human respiratory systems. For example, pig kidneys are unable to handle the high levels of uric acid found in the human bloodstream and are also unable to regulate drug levels.

So, no, it's not just creationists who have a problem with the practice, it's everyone who understands the possible side effects and associated effects on the human genome. (course to an evo, what's one bad mutation?)

I think the alternatives (living healthier lifestyles, the utilization of organs taken from deceased humans and intelligently designed mechanical parts) seem more viable. But who knows, if our scientists continue to intelligently design and restructure mature systems and components, we may have a breakthrough!

14 posted on 12/08/2003 9:56:06 AM PST by Michael_Michaelangelo
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To: Michael_Michaelangelo
skeptics voice concern over animal-to-human transplants

I have no problem with skeptics basing their argurments on reality.
They will likely bring up factors which will need to be addressed, and researched.

15 posted on 12/08/2003 10:07:22 AM PST by ASA Vet ("Those who know don't talk, those who talk don't know.")
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