title: Embryonic pig liver, pancreas, and lung as a source for transplantation: optimal organogenesis without teratoma depends on distinct time windows.
abstract: Pig embryonic tissues represent an attractive option for organ transplantation. However, the achievement of optimal organogenesis after transplantation, namely, maximal organ growth and function without teratoma development, represents a major challenge. In this study, we determined distinct gestational time windows for the growth of pig embryonic liver, pancreas, and lung precursors. Transplantation of embryonic-tissue precursors at various gestational ages [from E (embryonic day) 21 to E100] revealed a unique pattern of growth and differentiation for each embryonic organ. Maximal liver growth and function were achieved at the earliest teratoma-free gestational age (E28), whereas the growth and functional potential of the pancreas gradually increased toward E42 and E56 followed by a marked decline in insulin-secreting capacity at E80 and E100. Development of mature lung tissue containing essential respiratory system elements was observed at a relatively late gestational age (E56). These findings, showing distinct, optimal gestational time windows for transplantation of embryonic pig liver, pancreas, and lung, might explain, in part, the disappointing results in previous transplantation trials and could help enhance the chances for successful implementation of embryonic pig tissue in the treatment of a wide spectrum of human diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
authors.forename: Smadar
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Eventov-Friedman
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Katchman
authors.forename: Elias
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Shezen
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aronovich
authors.forename: Dalit
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tchorsh
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dekel
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Freud
authors.forename: Yair
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Reisner
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D016332:Fetal Tissue Transplantation; D005865:Gestational Age; D008099:Liver / Q000196:embryology*; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008168:Lung / Q000196:embryology*; D016040:Lung Transplantation; D051379:Mice; D016513:Mice, SCID; D009928:Organ Specificity; D010179:Pancreas / Q000196:embryology*; D016035:Pancreas Transplantation; D011247:Pregnancy; D013552:Swine; D013724:Teratoma / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous