Mouse testicle cells behave like stem cells, suggesting new source for therapy

Atlanta Journal-Constitution ^ | 03/24/06 | MALCOLM RITTER

[JTN]

NEW YORK — German scientists say cells from the testes of mice can behave like embryonic stem cells. If the same holds true in humans, it could provide a controversy-free source of versatile cells for use in treating disease.

Embryonic stem cells can give rise to virtually any tissue in the body and scientists believe they may offer treatments for diseases like Parkinson's and diabetes and spinal cord injuries.

But to harvest the cells, human embryos must be destroyed. Some religious groups and others oppose that.

The new research into testicular cells, published online Friday by the journal Nature, comes from Dr. Gerd Hasenfuss of the Georg-August-University of Goettingen in Germany and colleagues.

Lab tests found that the mouse cells closely mimicked the behavior of embryonic stem cells, Hasenfuss said Friday. He said he is optimistic about finding human testicular cells that will do the same. Work has already begun on that, he said.

If such cells are found in men, "then we have resolved the ethical problem with human embryonic stem cells," he said in a telephone interview.

That would also open the door to removing testicular cells from a male patient, growing some tissue the patient needs, and transplanting that tissue into the same man without fear of biological rejection, he noted.

The mouse cells were found to give rise to a variety of specialized cells in the lab, including heart cells that contracted and nerve cells that produced dopamine, the chemical messenger that Parkinson's patients lack, he said.

Cells typical of the liver, skin, pancreas and blood vessels were produced as well, he said.

[isthisnickcool]

When asked for a comment on this new testicle and stem cell theory Bill Clinton's testicles said "oh gosh, he's out of luck, there is no way we are going back there!"

Clinton's testicles were on vacation in southern Spain along with his penis who has been in hiding for many years. "I was there with Lewinsky, it's true" said Clinton's penis. "But I got away that day on the beach when he and Hillary were doing that fake dance together. I had not been that close to her in years and I looked down and could see her bare ankles. I was terrified so I jumped off and ran and never looked back! I can't run in a straight line but I still got away from the Secret Service. I hid in Helen Thomas's purse all the way back to the US. She eventually found me hidden in the purse but I talked her in to letting me go. I lied and said I used to be attached to Tom Cruise and missed being with women. She said she had her own penis anyway".

"We got away about a year later" said Clinton's former left testicle (the right one refuses to talk to the media). "We had it well planned. We rolled off one night and we will never go back! If he ever needs stem cells from us he is out of luck! Besides, Hillary has had all of us replaced. The Chinese made him a whole new unit. It even has a GPS system that Hillary monitors!"

Rumor is that Clinton's former appendage and it's associated part are working on a tell all book tentatively titled "Getting Pulled To The Left".

[pobodys nerfect]

"...and transplanting it into the same man..."

Is this just a rejection drug issue, or are women not going to be helped by this?

[Codeograph]

German scientists say cells from the testes of mice can behave like embryonic stem cells. If the same holds true in humans, it could provide a controversy-free source of versatile cells for use in treating disease.

Yeah, except from the guy they take them from !!!

[jimfree]

I was going to make a joke, but it is actually big news.

Yes, it sounds like a porno cartoon, but...

[Trampled by Lambs]

What is that quote from? I used to know someone who said it a lot.

[panthermom]

They'd actually have to have a set to worry about 'em.

[manwiththehands]

Testicular cells providing stem cells? The conservative gene pool just got a lot bigger. We have plenty to spare.

[Lizavetta]

Testicle cells to a diabetes cure......I can live with that.

[commish]

I am glad now I put Optical Mouses on all the family computers. That means more mouse balls for research. Who'd a thought that they were so useful.

[KarinG1]

I had always figured that liberals must be good for something. Now all we have to do is get them to fill out their donor cards.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

If these cells are put in people, will humans grow whiskers and a long tail? ;-) (just kidding...)

[TalBlack]

I have never, before this moment, considered the mouse testicle.

I suppose at some level I knew that mice HAVE testicles but as a subject occupying the 'main screen' of my mind the mouse testicle has not prevailed.

That said I do however believe that I know the first rule of working with, or in any way manner shape or form examining mouse testicles-----don't sneeze.

[wyattearp]

Yeah, except from the guy they take them from !!!

They can have my testicles when they pry them from my cold, dead...

(er... nevermind...)

[bert]

.....Democrat men should worry a bit.....

The article said Mice testes, not Rat testes.

Everybody knows liberal Rat men have no balls.

[Sender]

...it could provide a controversy-free source of versatile cells

Somehow I doubt that Mousbalium will be controversy-free...

[neverdem]

stem cell ping

[Coleus]

German scientists say cells from the testes of mice can behave like embryonic stem cells. If the same holds true in humans, it could provide a controversy-free source of versatile cells for use in treating disease.   >>>

why all the happiness?  embryonic cells don't cure disease, see the 0.  Adult stem cells do,  for 65 treatments so far.  Click on the sign.  Does the msm have an agenda?

[grey_whiskers]

Beat me to it on the mouse balls, field replacement unit.

Love the tag line, LOL!!

Cheers!

[grey_whiskers]

MAybe we can ask the guy who cut his penis off to throw at Cops in Chicago if he can pitch in?

Jay Leno on The Tonight Show put it in perspective:

A police spokesman said, "After he threw his penis at us, we knew he was just NUTS."

Cheers!

[Mr. Silverback]

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