Transplantation - Professor Dave's Amazing Molecules 8

[ChristopherChemist]

Hi :) May I ask, after people receive donor organs, they have to take drugs prevent rejection (like you discussed in your video). Will there ever be a time when they don't have to take drugs anymore? ChristopherChemist.

[ProfessorDaveatYork]

@ChristopherChemist You have to take anti-rejection drugs for life. The new organs continue to reproduce their cells with the donor's genetic information, so they are always viewed as 'foreign' by the host. Although the immune system of the host gets more used to it over time, and the dose of anti-rejection drugs can come down a bit, the immune system never gets completely used to having part of someone else inside you.

[RichieST08]

Firstly let me say I'm really glad to hear Sam is doing very well and I wish you both the very best of luck for the future.

Secondly,thank you for making a new video! I was praying for you to make a new video soon lol, while i don't fully understand the chemistry behind the videos (that's what i get for reading car magazines at the back of the chemisty class :( ) I do find them facinating and wish I had realised my interest in chemistry when i was at school.

[lilmissglentoran]

Hiya Dave

I had a pair of purple Dm's and I'd wear them to my wedding. Glad to hear Sam is OK. One thing I have to ask is isn't Azothioprine used in chemotherapy as well for the immune system? Just wondering.

Awwwwww at you and yours, you look awesome together!

[Nonalir]

Another interesting and very informative video. I'm glad Sam's doing OK now!

[hippodude100]

I'm glad you are still making videos.

Its awesome that everything worked out fine.

Excellent video, again.

if azathioprine blocks cells from fast reproduction then doesn't this also damages normal cells that divide somewhere else in the body ?

[ProfessorDaveatYork]

@hippodude100 Thanks. Yes, azathioprine can cause significant side-effects. In fact, Sam did not get on at all well with this drug! I am planning to make a follow-up video at some point which explores the problems with the three 'magic' drugs, and what doctors can do when they go wrong!