British researchers have been studying how the zebrafish has a great supply of adult stem cells to regenerate their retinas.
Basically, with nearly every disease of the eye there is neuron damage. The retina is the part of the eye that sends messages to the brain, and damage to the retina is found to be the reason for most cases of sight loss. The researchers have successfully grown, and tested in rats, the adult stem cells, such as those found in the zebrafish, that develop into neurons in the retina.
The University College London's Institute of Ophthalmology believes that these adult stem cells from the zebrafish could be injected into the eye as a treatment for diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetes-related blindness, and glaucoma (Limb, Astrid 2007).
These researchers seem to be aiming for these experimental human treatments within the next 5 yrs.
Apparently, these types of cell were easily grown in the lab, and they hope to eventually have stem cell banks, and have cell lines available to the general public. As with blood transfusions, a person would have to be typed for a certain kind of cell line.
All in all, very interesting and progressive studies and treatments.
How amazing would it be to regain your sight? Or to discover sight after a lifetime of blindness? What a wonderful gift to mankind!
Zebrafish:
The zebra fish has 2 common names: Zebra Danio, and Zebra Fish
They are from the family: Cyprinidae
There are 2 types of the zebrafish, one of which is a freshwater variety, the other is a saltwater species in the genus Pterois of the family Scorpaenidae.
The freshwater type is a classic aquarium fish, and is originally from Asia (Eastern India from Calcutta to Masuilpatam).
According to About.com, females are larger, fuller bodied, and have more subdued colors with silvery-white back-ground. Males have red lines between the wider blue lines with a golden-yellow back-ground.
by Kimberly Edwards
Kimberly Edwards is the founder of ExoticAnimalLover.com - Keeping Up The Fight To Preserve The Planet's Wildlife. Find awesome information about animals from all over the world, exotic animal news, updates on conservation, and anything else "Animal". For all of you who are exotic animal lovers, you know who you are...Check out: http://www.ExoticAnimalLover.com
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