Exeley Inc.

Velliquette, Randall W.

Review: the Scianna blood group system

Kopko, Patricia M.

Review: transfusion-related acute lung injury: pathophysiology, laboratory investigation,and donor management

Haley, N. Rebecca

128 I M M U N O H E M A T O L O G Y, V O L U M E  2 0 , N U M B E R  2 , 2 0 0 4
B O O K R E V I E W
Stem Cells Handbook. Stewart Sell, MD, ed. Humana
Press, 2003. ISBN:1-58829-113-8. Hardcover, 499 pages.
List price: $175. To order call: 973-256-1699, fax: 973-
256-8341; e-mail: humana@humanapr.com.
No scientific topic has been more in the press and
in legislative hearing rooms than stem cells. Behind the
news-catching events of the last 5 years, there has been
an amazing amount of research into the mechanisms of
action of stem cells: (1) from differentiated tissue,
where the stem cells tend to repair or repopulate the
organ where they reside; (2) from primitive or
embryonic tissue that has not yet made the journey of
differentiation;and (3) from cells that appear to be able
to transdifferentiate from the organ where they reside
to other tissues. This phenomenon of plasticity is
under intensive research by investigators studying
readily available adult stem cells, for example, those in
the blood and bone marrow, and their ability to
become a stem cell for another organ of the body.
This book begins with a historical perspective on
stem cells and walks the reader straight to the
knowledge revolution of the last few years. It
accomplishes this with information instead of passion,
with clear studies and data instead of polarized points
of view. This book helps place into context the much-
publicized and controversial studies highlighted by the
news media.
The first chapter, by the editor, gives an important
overview of the path of differentiation and some
possible side trips of nature. It also offers clear
definitions of terms that make the information in the
rest of the book more understandable. Each chapter
author has a depth of knowledge in his or her field, yet
they are all careful to include examples of practical use
of the information,either in further basic research or in
possible treatment applications.
Methods of growing and isolating embryonic stem
cells are covered in Chapters 2 and 3. Chapter 4 traces
the journey from embryonic stem cell to functional,
differentiated tissue architecture. Chapter 5 explains
germ cell interactions and combinations as they move
on their way to becoming embryonic stem cells or
supporting their growth.
Chapter 6 covers the cloning of mammalian cells,
with a description of the difficulties of the processes as
well as the observed outcomes of producing either
new cloned organisms or sources of cells for repair of
the current organism.
In Chapter 8, repair and wound healing are
described first in the amphibian model, where these
mechanisms are extensive. This is followed by two
examples of human repair systems in the next two
chapters: dermal repair and reconstruction of skin; and
bone marrow mesenchymal cells for reconstituting
mesodermal tissues such as bone, cartilage, muscle,
tendons,and ligaments,as well as bone marrow stromal
cells. Normal and abnormal hematopoietic stem cell
lineages are explored from the starting point of the
hematopoietic stem cell. The authors also discuss use
of the hematopoietic stem cell as a means of rescue,
treatment, or both of leukemias and lymphomas.
Beginning with Chapter 16, the book takes us first
through the development of organ systems, then
through the development of disease, with suggestions
for areas of research that may lead to treatment using
stem cell–based or augmented strategies. The coverage
of neural, cardiovascular, and hepatic organs is
particularly informative and captures the extensive
research being done in those areas.
All in all, the book gives a very timely review of
these varied topics, with up-to-date references. The
illustrations provided by the chapter authors are top-
notch and very helpful to the understanding of the
topics. Although not every reader may wish to go
through every page of this reference text, this reviewer,
for one, will be going back section by section many
times in the years to come. The concise setting of the
assembled knowledge and the insight that the authors
give on each of these complex subjects are quite
valuable in promoting understanding of the topics
described and their potential medical importance.
N. Rebecca Haley, MD
Vice President, StemCo Biomedical, Inc.
2810 Meridian Parkway, Suite 148
Durham, NC 27707


BOOK REVIEW: Stem Cells Handbook

Tidey, Leigh Ann

Chance, Suzette

Clarke, Marilyn

Aster, RH

Fogg Leach, Miriam

Letter to the Editors: HAMA (Human Anti-Mouse Antibodies) do not Cause False Positive Results in PAKPLUS

Mallory, Delores

Letters From the Editor-in-Chief: Ortho dedication/The final 20th anniversary issue

Vassallo, Ralph R.

Letter to the readers: Introduction to the review articles

Storry, Jill R.

Review: the function of blood group-specific RBC membrane components

Reid, Marion E.

The gene encoding the I blood group antigen: review of an I for an eye

Moncharmont, Pierre

Plantier, Annick

Chirat, Véronique

Rigal, Dominique

ABO and Rh(D) blood typing on the PK 7200 with ready-to-use kits

Jeremiah, Zac Awortu

Buseri, F.I.

Rh antigen and phenotype frequencies and probable genotypes for the four main ethnic groups in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

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