Baby teeth provide new stem cell source

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Baby teeth provide new stem cell source
April 23, 2003
By Niall Guerin
Media52
Researchers have found a new source for stem cells ÇƒÏ baby teeth. The announcement was made earlier this month when the scientists published their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Children develop about 20 deciduous or ǃ?baby teethǃ? between the ages of 1 and 6. After the age of six, those teeth are replaced with a new adult set.
The scientists found that the dental pulp of the baby teeth contains a plentiful supply of stem cells.
Super cells
Researchers also noted that the stem cells survive for a long period even after the tooth is extracted. On average, about 12-20 stem cells from each tooth were able to colonize and continue to grow in a culture.
The research findings speculate that this new source of stem cells would potentially assist scientists in techniques to repair damaged teeth, regenerate bone, and treat neural injury and disease.
In a separate report by the BBC News Online, stems cells are described as the bodyǃÙs ǃ?master cellsǃ? - having the potential to develop into multiple types of cells.
The ability to treat neural disorders is the prime objective for scientists involved in stem cell research.
Embryo versus teeth
At present, a human embryo is the purest source of stem cells, but this process for gathering stem cells has triggered much ethical concern and debate.
However, Professor Peter Andrews, a stem cell researcher from the University of Sheffield, told BBC News Online he believes ǃ?that the embryo remained the most practical current source of stem cells.ǃ?