Organ Transplantation

Organ transplantation can be used to replace injured or diseased organs such as the skin, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, or pancreas. Any one of these transplantations can help a patient survive as long as your immune system does not step-in and reject them. There are two types of adaptive immunity: cell-mediated and antibody-mediated immunity. Both types can mount an attack against organ transplantation causing graft rejection.

Use your textbook readings to review both cell-mediated and antibody-mediated mechanisms in further detail as well as researching online to learn more about organ transplantation procedures. Then, in your main post, answer the following Discussion topics:

1. Describe how and why both types of adaptive immunity can cause problems with organ transplantation.

2. Discuss how the body works to recognize your own cells and to differentiate them from foreign body cells.

3. Describe two of the four varieties of grafts (autografts, isografts, allografts, and xenografts) and the steps taken to lessen graft rejections.

4. Research "skin cell gun." Explain what this experimental device can do. Describe how this may change how we treat second and third-degree burns.

5. Describe one other experimental stem cell technique currently being used in organ transplantation.

6. What is your personal opinion on individuals using their own stem cells to speed healing and recovery times after an injury?