Placenta--an alternative source of stem cells.

摘要: The two most promising practical applications of human stem cells are cellular replacement therapies in disease and toxicological screening candidate drug molecules. Both require a source that can be isolated, purified, expanded number differentiated into the cell type choice controlled manner. Currently, uses both embryonic adult investigated. While pluripotent differentiate any specialised type, their use requires establishment lines using inner mass an early pre-implantation embryo. As blastocyst is destroyed during process, ethical issues need to carefully considered. also limited by difficulties growing large numbers without inducing spontaneous differentiation, problems controlling directed differentiation cells. cells, typically derived from bone marrow, but other tissues, ethically non-controversial potential more than Since cord blood, umbilical cord, placenta amnion normally discarded at birth, they provide easily accessible alternative We review current status or therapeutic applications.