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The controversial M cell.
E P Anyukhovsky1, E A Sosunov, R Z Gainullin
1Laboratory of Heart Electrophysiology, Institute of Experimental Cardiology, Moscow, Russia.
Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology
|March 25, 1999
Summary
This study confirms the existence and importance of M cells in cardiac electrical activity. It addresses controversies regarding transmural gradients in ventricular repolarization and electrophysiologic property homogeneity in the intact ventricle.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
Background:
- M cells' role in cardiac electrical activity has been debated.
- Previous work has been misinterpreted as denying M cell existence and importance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the existence and significance of M cells in myocardial electrical activity.
- To address controversies regarding transmural gradients in ventricular repolarization.
- To explain the discrepancy between single-cell/isolated tissue electrophysiology and the intact ventricle.
Main Methods:
- Review and re-evaluation of existing research.
- Analysis of electrophysiological data from isolated tissues and intact ventricles.
Main Results:
- Confirmation of M cell existence and their contribution to myocardial electrical activity.
- Evidence supporting the existence of an inhomogeneous transmural gradient for ventricular repolarization in normal hearts.
- Discussion on the mechanisms leading to electrophysiologic homogeneity in the intact ventricle despite cellular heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- M cells are confirmed to exist and are important for cardiac electrical function.
- Controversies regarding transmural repolarization gradients and electrophysiologic homogeneity are addressed.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying these phenomena.