Re: Aging Theory of mine...
Posted by Natalie L. Smith on May 03, 2002 at 11:20
(168.216.205.255)Re: Aging Theory of mine... (Bhavik)
First, a very important correction. Blood is not made in the bone marrow. Only certain components of the blood are made there. The blood plasma, which is the water solution of dissolved substances (ions, molecular substances, minerals, etc.) is a collection of materials from many sources in the body - - water from our digestive system (and as a product of cellular metabolism), hormones from glands, minerals from our digestive system, etc. The concentrations of these substances in the blood is controlled by the body in the kidneys, liver, etc. etc. So, the blood of an older person could be drastically different from that of a younger person from factors that have absolutely nothing to do with the bone marrow.
Now, as to your question, erythrocytes (red blood cells) ARE produced by the bone marrow and if, at some point in a person's life, the DNA of the marrow cells that produce the erythrocytes gets altered, then it will begin to produce altered erythrocytes. This could mean nothing or it could mean cancer - - depends on the nature of the change.
SO, what it all comes down to is: if you think that a bone marrow transplant will rejuvenate a person, the answer is no - - unfortunately, the situation is just not that simple. It involves the whole body. A body transplant is the only answer.