Researchers use human cells to engineer functional anal sphincters in lab
Tuesday, August 9, 2011 - 11:31
in Biology & Nature
Researchers have built the first functional anal sphincters in the laboratory, suggesting a potential future treatment for both fecal and urinary incontinence. Made from muscle and nerve cells, the sphincters developed a blood supply and maintained function when implanted in mice. The results are reported in the medical journal Gastroenterology.