Scientists to use stem cells to help save hearts

  • 2008-10-21
  • TBT Staff in cooperation with BNS
VILNIUS - Lithunian scientists are investigation the possibility of using stem cells to help revive a heart that has been damaged by a heart attack.

The Lithuanian-language daily Lietuvos Rytas reported that the first stem cells have already been tested ona rabbit named "Roger" at the LithuanianVeterinary Academy.

The scientists are rearing stem cells in laboratories in Vilnius andKaunas for transplantation in an ailing human hearts.

"In near future, we will use the patient's stem cells for restoration ofthe cardiac muscle. After transplantation into a damaged section of heart,it will naturalize, multiply and compensate for the weakened cardiacfunction," said doctor Arvydas Skeberdis, head of the Cell Culture Laboratory of the CardiologyInstitute.