Victoria Hastings
K. Piper
ENG 132
Literature Review
Cellular Memory is the theory that memory cells are stored not only in our brain,
but also in organs throughout the body (Anderson, T.). The theory proposes that these
cells contain clues to our personalities including taste, music, academia, everyday habits,
and other links to a persons identity (Anderson, T.). Since the discovery that
neuropeptides exist in all tissues of our body, the theory of cellular memory has sparked
much controversy, debate, and research. Although it is uncertain if the neuropeptides
found in all organs are capable of storing memories as the brain does, many organ
transplant recipients similarly report experiencing preferences unfamiliar to their usual
liking (Anderson, T.). There is evidence however that organs in the nervous system do
store memories through combinatorial coding by nerve cells (Takeuchi, L.). As
recognized by a Nobel Prize in 2004, these coded memories where found to enable
olfactory senses to recognize odors (Takeuchi, L.). Research suggests that major organs
such as the heart, kidney, and liver are known to contain large amounts of neurons
(Takeuchi, L.). Acquired combinatorial memories in such networks may enable
transplanted organs to recognize and respond to habits familiar of its donor (Takeuchi,
L.).
The theory of Cellular Memory has support from both sources, each recognizing
that neurons, and the nervous system play a vital role in supporting evidence. Both
sources also recognize that such cells have potential to store traits of the original donor,
and for recipients to potentially experience, or respond to these traits. Although the
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second source specifically indicates that heart, kidney, and liver transplant recipients are
more likely to experience cellular memory due to large amounts of neurons found in
these organs, the first source does not acknowledge this claim. However, in 2005 an
article released on a study on organ transplants and Cellular Memory supports this claim.
The article also adds that lung transplant recipients are also more likely to experience
cellular memory (Pearsall, P., PHD Schwartz, G., PHD Russek, L.). “Behaviors and
emotions are known to be modulated by the interactive communications between these
organs and the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems” (Pearsall, P., PHD Schwartz,
G., PHD Russek, L.). All three sources support research that a recipients behaviors and
emotions can be influenced by their body’s interaction with a transplanted organ. Such
claims have been supported by case studies of transplant recipients and their experiences
(Pearsall, P., PHD Schwartz, G., PHD Russek, L.).
Dr. Gary Schwartz has documented studies of cellular memory in more than
seventy-four patients. He is also credited to documenting the first study of cellular
memory, experienced by heart transplant recipient Claire Sylvia (Linton, K.). His studies
have supported the theory of Cellular Memory in that many recipients indicate accurate
recollections of people, events and places, as well as the donors likes and dislikes and
behavioral tendencies (Linton, K.). Claire Sylvia had identified her donor being a man
named Tim, in which she had acquired his liking for chicken nuggets, green peppers, and
beer shortly following her transplant (Pearsall, P., PHD Schwartz, G., PHD Russek, L.).
Sylvia also reported having unusual feelings of aggression and anger, very much unlike
her usual character (Linton, K.). After many interviews with the donors family, and
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Sylvia, Schwartz had concluded that there was no evidence of Sylvia knowing any of
these traits of her donor, and that she was indeed indicating behaviors and memories of
her donor (Pearsall, P., PHD Schwartz, G., PHD Russek, L.).
Both sources refer to the same case study, each supporting the others claims of the
recipient experiencing similar traits, behaviors and memories to the donor. Although
neither article confirms that Sylvias donors name was indeed Tim, it is recognized by a
third source, and mentioned in her book, Change of Heart, that the donors name was
indeed accurate (MD Dossey, L.). The third source also provides information on another
case study of a liver transplant recipient. Donna Doey reported changes in food
preferences as well a new love for classical music shortly after receiving a liver transplant
(MD Dossey, L.). After interviews with Doeys donors family, it was revealed that the
liver donor had played violin since childhood and frequently listened to classical music
(MD Dossey, L.). All three sources acknowledge a connection between characteristics
exhibited by the donor, and the recipient after organ transplantation.
Although there are many well documented case studies of Cellular Memory,
many doctors and researchers argue that these changes in preferences and characteristics
are due to anti-rejection medications taken by transplant recipients. Anti-rejection drugs
such as Gengraf have many side effects, specifically noting changes in dietary
preferences, as well as psychiatric changes (PHD Taylor, A.). Such psychiatric side
effects include depression, insomnia, anxiety, confusion, decreased libido, emotional
lability, impaired concentration, increased libido, nervousness, paranoia, and somnolence
(Vincent, D.). It is believed by many researchers that recipients inaccurately report
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experiencing Cellular Memory because they confuse these side effects with Cellular
Memory symptoms (Vincent, D.). Both sources support each others claims by
referencing the same anti-rejection medication, Gengraf, and its dietary and psychiatric
side effects. In addition to the counter argument that changes in a recipients preferences
and characteristics are due to anti-rejection medications, the difficulty in following a case
study is also documented. Cellular Memory case studies are often hard to follow due to
the constant reproduction of cells. As cells reproduce, the donors cells diminish due to
reproduction with larger populations of the recipients cells (Lanza, R.). As this occurs,
symptoms of Cellular Memory become less and less frequent (Lanza, R.). The first
source also acknowledges this argument as it mentions the short time span in which
cellular memory is often experienced. Symptoms of Cellular Memory rarely extend over
a two year period due to the constant reproduction of cells (Vincent, D.). Also noted in
this source, The Hospital Grapevine Theory is proposed. The Hospital Grapevine Theory
is the theory that recipients are able to subconsciously piece together information about
their donors due to conversations of healthcare staff around them, creating new patterns
of familiarity (Vincent, D.).This theory is also supported by a study done by Dr. Pearsall
with patients under the influence of anesthesia (Pearsall, P., PHD Schwartz, G., PHD
Russek, L.).
Although you may choose to agree or disagree with the evidence supporting
cellular memory, there is no denying it is a fascinating theory. Due to my fathers
experience in a case study of Cellular Memory with his 2001 liver transplant, I have often
wondered about other potential theories providing explanations for such phenomena.
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Although in no way am I discrediting the symptoms my father has previously exhibited,
or any other case study providing evidence, I am simply curious in exploring other
theories. I believe it is important to promote the theory of Cellular Memory, as well as
other theories providing explanations for symptoms. I believe exploring other theories is
important in order to educate other recipients and their families in order to one day find a
solution to these symptoms.
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