心脏成纤维细胞的电生理作用

Electrophysiological Effects of Cardiac Fibroblast

成纤维细胞作为心脏中数量最多的细胞,传统观点认为成纤维细胞在心脏电生理过程中仅起电阻隔作用,近年来研究显示:成纤维细胞与心肌细胞之间存在缝隙连接,并通过缝隙连接在相隔心肌细胞间发挥电传导作用。

In terms of cell numbers, cardiac fibroblasts form one of the largest cell populations in the heart. Every cardiac myocyte is in direct contact to one or more fibroblast in situ. In view of their electrophysiology, cardiac fibroblasts are traditionally assumed to be “passive” barriers that obstruct electrical conduction. In recent years, studies both in ceil culture and in situ have shown that a gap junction exists between cardiac fibriblast and myocytes. Cardiac fibroblasts can affect not only the electrical properties of myocardium but also actual current conduction. This article describes the electrophysiological role of fibroblasts and highlights areas for further research.