Britain's Lords debate embryo research

Article Abstract:

A bill that would prohibit all research on human embryos is being considered by the British Parliament. If passed, the ban would cover all research on the human embryo and fetus, unlike the ban in the United States, which only affects federally funded projects. The two types of research most threatened by this proposed ban are experiments to develop better screening for genetic diseases and abnormalities and studies that would help improve the success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is a technique that consists of implanting a fertilized egg into the mother's womb after the egg and sperm are united in a laboratory. The IVF procedure itself would not be banned by the bill, but research required to improve the technique would be halted. This could jeopardize the success and safety of the procedure. New procedures involving embryos would be permitted if they include the subsequent implantation to the womb and allow development to full term. British researchers involved in improving IVF and genetic screening techniques are disturbed by this proposed bill. Some are concerned that the members of Parliament who will decide between a total ban or allow research on embryos up to 14 days old do not appreciate the importance of continued research. The legislators may mistakenly believe that medical procedures are safe and effective from the first time they are used. However, refinement of techniques is a result of additional research that is directed by the problems encountered during clinical trials. For example, the current success rate of IVF, as defined by how many babies are actually born, is very low (10 percent). There is clearly much room for improvement. Overall, the debate is based primarily on the moral question of when life begins and, with this in mind, anti-abortion groups have continued to urge Parliament to pass a complete ban. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

United Kingdom, Laws, regulations and rules, Fetus, Social policy, Genetic screening, Genetic testing, Human embryo, Human reproductive technology, Fertilization in vitro, Human, Human fertilization in vitro, Great Britain

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A reliable animal model for AIDS

Article Abstract:

Research on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus associated with AIDS, has not been carried out extensively with animals. The virus only infects chimpanzees, who do not become ill, and humans. However, a report in the June 1, 1990, issue of Science magazine describes a virus, simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), that consistently causes AIDS-like symptoms, including death, in rhesus monkeys. Unlike earlier simian viral forms, which were 'wild' (naturally occurring) and had unpredictable effects, SIV is a viral clone whose structure and characteristics are known. Researchers are enthusiastic, since such a model offers the opportunity to develop and test potential vaccines. The author of the report, Ronald C. Desrosier, plans to pursue his findings in three directions. One is the study of how the virus changes after invading the host and how the disease progresses. A second focus is to study SIV genes that do not appear essential for viral replication; these may help the virus enter secretions such as semen, and are potential therapeutic targets. Finally, Desrosier wants to understand how the virus changes its ability to infect different cell types as the infection progresses. An important characteristic of SIV is that this virus can cause disease in healthy animals by itself, which provides data to support the view that HIV by itself is sufficient to cause AIDS. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Models, HIV (Viruses), HIV, AIDS (Disease), Simian immunodeficiency virus, Simian viruses

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Hormone antagonist with broad potential

Article Abstract:

The drug RU 486, first distributed in France in 1988, has received much attention as a pill to induce abortion. Other uses for the controversial medication are being explored in laboratories around the world. A researcher at the US National Institutes of Health has found RU 486 helpful in treating Cushing's syndrome. It counters the effect of excess cortisone in these patients and may prolong their lives until adrenal gland tumors grow large enough for surgical removal. Research at Tufts University in Boston has so far met with little success in applying RU 486 in the treatment of glaucoma, a disorder that can cause blindness. The drug may someday help speed healing of skin burns and abrasions, working as an anticorticosteroid (counteracts steroid hormones). RU 486 may also find a role in fighting the tumors of breast cancer and certain brain tumors known as meningiomas. Several potential uses of RU 486 as a contraceptive have been identified. It could induce menstruation, prevent implantation of the embryo, or block release of the egg. Finally, RU 486 may participate in the management of labor and delivery in the future. By cancelling the action of progesterone, the drug could induce labor, of particular value when the fetus has died before birth. RU 486 may reduce the need for cesarean sections as well.

Hormone therapy, Hormone antagonists, Mifepristone

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