Some scientists from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, USA, announced that they have developed a system called OrganEx that allows oxygen to recirculate in the body of a dead pig and protects cells and some organs after the heart stops.

Professor of comparative medicine, genetics and psychiatry who led the research, Dr. Nenad Sestan said, "These cells worked for hours, unless they were supposed to. Our findings show that even an hour after death, cell death can be possible. It can be stopped and their functions restored in many vital organs."

What is the OrganEx System?

The OrganEx system works by pumping a liquid called perfusate mixed with blood into the blood vessels of dead pigs. Perfusate contains a synthetic form of the hemoglobin protein and several other compounds and molecules that help protect cells and prevent blood clots. The researchers found that six hours after treatment with OrganEx, some essential cellular functions were active and some organ functions were restored in many parts of the pigs' body, including the heart, liver, and kidney.

How Will the Research Be Applied to Humans?

The scientists explained that the studies are still at a very early stage and experimental, but they hope their work in pigs could eventually be applied to humans.

Stephen Latham, co-author of the Yale Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics, “I believe the OrganEx system will represent a major breakthrough in terms of long-term preservation of organs from a donor. You can take the organ of a deceased person, connect it to perfusion technology, and transport it long distances for long periods and deliver it to a recipient in need." he said.

On the other hand, the researchers emphasized that they did not resuscitate the pigs in any way, and that more studies are needed to understand whether the organs can be used for transplantation.