SURVEY RESULTS OF TRANSPLANT PATIENTS ATTITUDES ON XENOGRAFTING

For centuries, many cultures have described mythical creatures with bo dies that combined human and animal features, often the result of viol ating taboos. This study attempted to investigate the beliefs of trans plant patients about xenografting. A survey was given to 100 patients ranging in age from 17 to 74 years old with 65 men and 35 women, inclu ding 72 whites, 18 Hispanics, 5 African Americans, and 4 Asian America ns. The subjects included liver; heart, kidney, lung, and multi-organ transplant patients. The patients were not aware of plans for xenograf ting at the center under study. Eighty patients agreed with xenografti ng in an emergency situation. Ten subjects replied, ''under no circums tances.'' Ninety pet-cent believed animal research has advanced medica l science. In descending order the patients preferred human (96%), mon key (44%), mechanical (43%), pig (42%), or dog (34%) organs. Twenty-fo ur patients thought a xenograft would change their appearance, persona lity or eating or sexual habits. Twenty patients believed animals have souls. The patients also documented any ethical concerns about xenogr afting.