PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Human Embryo Research Panel”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

The human pluripotent stem cell: impact on medicine and society.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the current state of the science surrounding human pluripotent stem cells and to show that the derivation of such cells from donated preimplantation human embryos should be eligible for federal funding provided that certain protections are met. DESIGN: A literature search focusing on the scientific aspects of pluripotent stem-cell research and analyses of current and past legislation and federal panel recommendations. CONCLUSION(S): The current federal laws regulating the permission necessary to obtain fetal tissue from elective pregnancy terminations are intended to insulate the decision to terminate a pregnancy from the potential positive influence of fetal tissue transplantation. A similar situation can be created for the derivation of cells from excess preimplantation human embryos produced by IVF programs. If, as in fetal tissue research, assurances can be made that the research will have no influence on the decision to dispose of the embryo, the derivation of pluripotent stem cells from embryo should proceed with federal funding.

Embryo, Mammalian↗
PubMed2004

Pregnancy initiation in the rhesus macaque: towards functional manipulation of the maternal-fetal interface.

Nonhuman primates provide an important opportunity to define the mechanisms that contribute to the success of early pregnancy. We have focused for several years now on defining the expression of novel placental major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. In parallel, we have used reagents against human immune cell markers to characterize the leukocyte population in the decidua and have demonstrated dynamic changes in these cell populations during the first 5 weeks of gestation. The challenge is to identify the possible role(s) of placental MHC class I in modifying/directing the maternal endometrial or systemic immune system in the post-implantation period. Foremost among the challenges is the difficulty in modifying placental function. In the instance of trophoblast surface proteins, passive immunization studies are feasible, although limitations include the empirical nature of this approach, as well as the inability to modify intracellular function. We have shown that using lentiviral vectors to effect preimplantation gene transfer for transgene expression in the placenta is not only feasible, but of good efficiency. In addition to transgene overexpression, robust approaches for knocking down/knocking out placental gene expression are essential. Recent developments in RNA interference approaches may allow "transient knockout" experiments. While the rhesus monkey has been our model of choice, currently there are limitations in the number of available female rhesus monkeys of reproductive age for research in early pregnancy. It is critical that the technologies for advanced study move forward in other species. The baboon has been used significantly in reproductive tract biology and early pregnancy research and important models have been developed for manipulation of the maternal-fetal interface. Additional characterization of other species, such as the cynomolgus and African green (vervet) monkey is critical. Given the limitations on antigen recognition when using human reagents, we also propose that the development of panels of primate-specific anti-leukocyte antibodies is essential for moving forward nonhuman primate reproductive research.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Human experimentation. United States and Canada decide to slow down human reproduction research.

Louise Brown, the world's first "test-tube" baby, celebrated her 15th birthday on July 25. Three months later, the whole field of in vitro fertilization and human embryo research was thrown into a tizzy. Public reaction in response to embryo-cloning experiments in the United States brought a halt to the research project, and the release of a set of recommendations by an expert panel in Canada called for limits on embryo tests and experimentation. Each event contains the same underlying message--it's not nice to meddle with Mother Nature.

Advisory Committees↗
PubMed2002

Evaluation of progenitor cell cultures from human embryos for neurotransplantation.

Human neural stem cells (HNSCs) are used in studies of neural development and differentiation, and are regarded as an alternative source of tissue for neural transplantation in degenerative diseases. Selection and standardization of HNSC samples is an important task in research and clinical approaches. We evaluated embryonal brain matter obtained from human 8-12-week-old fetuses by means of flow cytometry on a panel including: nestin; vimentin; NeuN; GFAP; beta-tubulin III; CD56; N-Cad; OB-Cad; HLA-ABC; HLA-DR; CD34, and annexin. Samples from embryos of even the same gestation differ dramatically regarding neural cell development, their phenotype and viability. The samples containing the highest proportion of stem cells and multipotent progenitors of neural types, and the least of definitive cells and antigens of histocompatibility, were selected for further expansion in serum-free medium. Secondary phenotyping 14 days later revealed again a marked heterogeneity of the cultures. For the final culturing for 24 h in a serum-containing medium we selected only samples having following phenotype: nestin+, and vimentin+ no less than 25%; HLA-DR+ and CD34+ no more than 5%; GFAP+ no more than 10%; beta-tubulin+ no more than 20%; CD56+, N-Cad+, OB-Cad+, HLA-A,B,C+, and annexin+ no more than 15%; cell viability no less than 60%. Immunocytochemical study of selected samples proved that numerous neural stem cells, and neuro- and glioblasts necessary for transplantation were present. Our results demonstrate that the flow cytometry phenotyping allows the screening and standardization of HNSC samples for further expansion and transplantation.

Brain↗