Updated on Wednesday, May 07, 2008, 00:00 IST

Mumbai, May 06: Indian scientists on Tuesday claimed that they have successfully created heart cells from the lining of uterus.

The joint research was carried out by a Kolhapur-based gynaecologist Dr Satish Patki and scientist at National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, Dr Ramesh Bhonde.

They also demonstrated stem cells isolated from fallopian tubes and ovaries, and endometrium -- the entire female genital track -- were differentiated from heart, liver, bone, kidney, fat and pancreas cells.

The scientists claimed that the medical fraternity could do autologous (stem cells from the patient) transplantation and thus revolutionise the entire science of obstetrics and gynaecology.

This study will bring about tremendous impact in the various disorders like pregnancy induced hypertension and cases of recurrent abortions, Patki and Bhonde told media today at Kolhapur.

Clinical trials on these multipotent cells for all gynaecological related problems are expected to start within six months, the scientists said.

Apart from its human application, the present research will be useful for studying the effects of various drugs on the cells cultured in the laboratory. Similar techniques will also be useful for increasing the population of various endangered animal species like tigers or pandas by using various fertility enhancing techniques, based on this research, Bhonde said.

The differentiated heart cells, myotubules, were shown beating, which can be directly used for therapeutics, Pitke told agencies from Kolhapur.

Bureau Report