[Preliminary evaluation of xenotransplantation and utilization of native pig breeds in China].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the general situation of the native pig breeds and the relative present study conditions for better development of xenotransplantation in China.


METHODS
By comparing the profits between the pigs and the non-human primates as the potential donors for xenotransplantation and emphasizing the source of the pigs as the organ donors from the transplantation studies, we analyzed the possible values of the native pig breeds as the donors.


RESULTS
As one of the richest resources in the world, the species variation and relative genetic stability of Chinese native pig breeds could be the very valuable resources for xenotransplantation study and utilization. As a reverse, the xenotransplantation could provide opportunity for more economically and environmentally utilization of the pigs besides as the meat supply.


CONCLUSIONS
As a very valuable and potential resource of organ donor, the native pig breeds of China might be noticed by the xenotransplantation colleagues in the world. It is necessary, to keep the balance among the risk vs. benefit and the protection vs. utilization of this valuable resource.
Li
Y
Y
Laboratory of Transplant Immunology, First University Hospital, West China University of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China 610041.
He
Q
Q
Cai
S
S
D000818:Animals; D002681:China; D006801:Humans; D013045:Species Specificity; D013552:Swine; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous