Welcome to vnonline.co.uk

vnonline.co.uk provides the veterinary nursing profession with the latest news and industry developments, as well as events, resources, learning materials and careers.

Our website is dedicated to veterinary nurses and we strive to provide a platform where you can voice and explore your interests.

Not a member yet? Sign up for free!

Register for free with vnonline.co.uk to gain unlimited access to news, resources, jobs and much more!



Click here to become a member







Log in to vnonline

Forgot your password?

Posted: 3rd October 2018

Stem cells ‘could be used as an alternative to antibiotics’
"...MSCs could prove useful against antimicrobial resistance and be used as an alternative to antibiotics.”

Study finds MSCs in horses fight bacterial infection 

Stem cells found in horses naturally produce molecules that can fight bacterial infection, according to new research by the Roslin Institute.

The team examined mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are seen in animals and humans and can differentiate into a variety of cell types.

They discovered that MSCs may be able to fight infection in two ways - by acting directly on bacteria and by regulating the activity of immune cells involved in the body’s natural defences.

The endometrium was identified as a particularly promising novel source of MSCs for clinical applications in horses - and likely in other species too.

MSCs obtained from bone marrow or adipose tissue have been used for clinical tissue regeneration in animals for more than 10 years, which scientists say assures their safe use as potential clinical antimicrobials in the future.

Lead author Dr Cristina Esteves said: “This study shows that equine MSCs may act to defend the body against bacterial infection.

"We’re excited about these results as MSCs could prove useful against antimicrobial resistance and be used as an alternative to antibiotics.”




Become a member
or log in to add this story to your CPD history