edward
02-28-2010, 12:35 PM
Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine in Horses
Scott Hopper, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS
Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital
In February, 2010, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital opened a state of the art stem cell laboratory. Researchers from the UC-Davis Regenerative Medicine Laboratory have been instrumental in the planning and development of our stem cell laboratory. This will be a full service stem cell laboratory that will allow us to provide the latest in regenerative cell medicine to our clients and the veterinary community.
Regenerative cell medicine and the use of stem cells in treating horses have become more popular over the last few years. There are news stories of stem cell research and stem cell therapy in both human and veterinary medicine constantly. Exciting anecdotal stories of horses being treated successfully with stem cells often make national news. In this article I will discuss what a stem cell is, where they come from and the science supporting the use of stem cells in equine medicine.
Stem Cell Basics
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to replicate and differentiate into a diverse range of cell types. These cell types include tendon, ligament, cartilage, muscle and bone. There are two basic types of stem cells, hematopoetic and mesenchymal. We are primarily concerned with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) because they appear to have the best potential for regenerative medicine. These MSC are found in bone marrow, fat, umbilical cord blood and tissue, and many other organs throughout the body. The younger or more immature the stem cell, the more potential they have. The younger stem cells have an increased ability to heal and regenerate tissue compared to the adult stem cells. This is the reason for the recent interest in storing umbilical cord blood in horses.
Scott Hopper DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin College of Veterinary Medicine and a partner at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. He is a board certified surgeon with interests in performance and sport horse lameness and has utilized regenerative medicine treatments for patients with tendon and ligament injuries. Dr. Hopper worked with UC-Davis Regenerative Medicine Laboratory to develop Rood & Riddle’s Stem Cell Laboratory.
Visit the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital Website
Scott Hopper, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS
Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital
In February, 2010, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital opened a state of the art stem cell laboratory. Researchers from the UC-Davis Regenerative Medicine Laboratory have been instrumental in the planning and development of our stem cell laboratory. This will be a full service stem cell laboratory that will allow us to provide the latest in regenerative cell medicine to our clients and the veterinary community.
Regenerative cell medicine and the use of stem cells in treating horses have become more popular over the last few years. There are news stories of stem cell research and stem cell therapy in both human and veterinary medicine constantly. Exciting anecdotal stories of horses being treated successfully with stem cells often make national news. In this article I will discuss what a stem cell is, where they come from and the science supporting the use of stem cells in equine medicine.
Stem Cell Basics
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to replicate and differentiate into a diverse range of cell types. These cell types include tendon, ligament, cartilage, muscle and bone. There are two basic types of stem cells, hematopoetic and mesenchymal. We are primarily concerned with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) because they appear to have the best potential for regenerative medicine. These MSC are found in bone marrow, fat, umbilical cord blood and tissue, and many other organs throughout the body. The younger or more immature the stem cell, the more potential they have. The younger stem cells have an increased ability to heal and regenerate tissue compared to the adult stem cells. This is the reason for the recent interest in storing umbilical cord blood in horses.
Scott Hopper DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin College of Veterinary Medicine and a partner at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. He is a board certified surgeon with interests in performance and sport horse lameness and has utilized regenerative medicine treatments for patients with tendon and ligament injuries. Dr. Hopper worked with UC-Davis Regenerative Medicine Laboratory to develop Rood & Riddle’s Stem Cell Laboratory.
Visit the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital Website