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Mechanically induced potentials in fibroblasts from human right atrium.
A Kamkin1, I Kiseleva, K D Wagner
1Institute of Physiology, Humboldt-University (Charite), Tucholsky Strasse 2, D-10117, Germany.
Experimental Physiology
|May 5, 1999
Summary
Human cardiac fibroblasts are mechanosensitive cells that generate mechanically induced potentials (MIPs) in response to heart contractions. These MIPs are synchronized with myocardial rhythm and may influence cardiac mechano-electrical feedback.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cell Physiology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Human cardiac fibroblasts are electrically non-excitable yet mechanosensitive.
- Myocardial contractions cause tissue stretch, influencing fibroblast membrane potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrical responses of human cardiac fibroblasts to mechanical stimuli.
- To characterize the mechanically induced potentials (MIPs) and their relationship with cardiomyocyte action potentials.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiological recordings of human cardiac fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes.
- Simultaneous measurement of action potentials and MIPs during myocardial contraction.
- Intracellular polarization to assess MIP amplitude and frequency.
Main Results:
- Cardiac fibroblasts exhibit mechanically induced potentials (MIPs) synchronized with myocardial contractions.
- A consistent delay of approximately 40 ms exists between cardiomyocyte action potential and fibroblast MIP.
- Intracellular polarization affects MIP amplitude but not frequency, indicating a role in signal modulation.
Conclusions:
- Mechanosensitive cardiac fibroblasts generate MIPs that follow myocardial contraction rhythms.
- These cells may participate in cardiac mechano-electrical feedback, impacting normal heart function and disease.
- Understanding fibroblast electrophysiology is crucial for comprehending cardiac mechano-electrical signaling.