Zebrafish Being Used For Human Immune System Models

www.biologynews.net/archives/2010/09/08/these_dendritic_cells_are_fishy_but_thats_a_good_thing.html


Researchers from the University of California have found that Zebrafish have a dendritic antigen-presenting cell. Haveing the dendritic cell allows scientists to use zebrafish as a model for the human immune system. Because Zebrafish are translucent, scientists can track cells in the whole animal. Zebrafish are a wonderful orgainism to use for models becuase they reproduce quickly and wont become exctent any time soon.

In my opionion this discovery could lead to scientists finding out new facts about our immune system. I think that the possibility of sceintist finding new cures too low immune system issues is fairly high as well. The fact that zebrafish can reproduce quickly makes me feel more at ease, knowing that we wont have to sacrafice this whole speices to science. This discovery remindes me of how pig valvues and baboon hearts have been used to help aid humans today. The only difference is that zebrafish are not used in the human body. What do you think about this discovery?



JoAnne J