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Panel OKs Using Primates in Study
San Jose Mercury News
Augusta Chronicle
16 July 2005
SAN JOSE, Calif. - An influential group of bioethicists has given the go-ahead to future research that would introduce human neural stem cells into the brains of our primate cousins, but the group also outlined strict ethical boundaries.
At least two American teams of scientists are already creating "chimeras" by inserting human neurons into primates. Such "neural grafting" conjures up images of supersmart primates such as those in the science fiction film Planet of the Apes.
Could the introduction of human cells into primate brains make them more "humanlike"? How would one tell? And where should the line be drawn?
To answer such questions, Johns Hopkins University assembled a group of 22 philosophers, neuroscientists, primatologists, stem cell researchers and others, including Stanford Uni-ver-si-ty law professor Hank Greely.
"We can't say that it is impossible that putting human stem cells into nonhuman primates will lead to some aspect of humanlike consciousness, although it is highly unlikely," Mr. Greely said. "And no one is trying to do that. These recommendations are an effort to make sure that something like that doesn't happen inadvertently or accidentally."
Huge therapeutic opportunities exist in embryonic stem cell research, according to the group's report, published in Friday's issue of the journal Science.
Some brain diseases, such as Parkinson's, could be remedied by inserting healthy neurons.
Because future therapies might require testing in primates, the panel sought to create responsible research guidelines.
"The closer to humans you get, the better your model - but the better your model, the more you worry about 'humanizing' the animal you put the cells into," Mr. Greely said.
Six factors should be considered before attempting such research, their report concluded. They include: the number of human cells injected, the age of the animal, the species, the size of the animal's brain, the site of injection and whether the animal's brain was injured or diseased.
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