Intercellular coupling through gap junctions masks M cells in the human heart

• Published in: Cardiovascular research Vol. 62; no. 2; pp. 407 - 414
• Main Author: Conrath, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Oxford University Press 01.05.2004
• Subjects: Action Potentials - physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Cardiology. Vascular system; Cell Communication; Computer Simulation; Gap Junctions - physiology; Humans; Medical sciences; Models, Cardiovascular; Myocytes, Cardiac - physiology; Perfusion; Human; QT interval; Repolarization; QT-dispersion; Gap junctions; Cell junction; Mask; Cell communication; Modeling; Phlebology; Dispersion; Gap junction; Computer; Membrane; Circulatory system; Coupling; Cardiology; Cell; Current; Computer modeling; Heart cell; Communication; Membrane currents

M cells have been described in many mammalian species. They are thought to be relevant for the genesis of long QT intervals, afterdepolarizations and for dispersion in action potential duration and in repolarization time. Their role in the human heart is subject to debate. We simulated action potent...