Cell source of the most common type of heart rhythm disorders Found

While studying how the heart is, scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found a happy coincidence novel cell source of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia.

Jonathan Epstein, MD, William Wikoff Smith Professor and Chair, Department of Cell Biology and Developmental Biology and Vicka Patel, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine have identified a population of cells in the atria of the heart and pulmonary veins of the humans and mice, appearing for the seat of the AF. The finding may lead to a more accurate method to treat AF, with reduced side effects. Their results are published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation online.

This group of cells expressing the protein DCT is also involved in the preparation of melanin in the skin and in the detoxification of free radicals. The researchers also showed that the expression of DCT cells in the mouse heart have a clear cell type of the heart muscle cells and pigment-producing cells, although they carry large electric currents to the coordinated contraction of heart. The location of these cells suggested in the pulmonary veins, and their possible role in AF AF can, because in these blood vessels arise. Atrial fibrillation is a common and debilitating in the quality of life.

Knowledge of ING, the location of these cells in the development of better therapies for AF. "Our goal is already in the pulmonary veins for radiofrequency ablation, a non-surgical procedures to treat with radiofrequency energy similar to microwaves, some types of rapid heart rate as a relatively new treatment, and sometimes cure for AF, Epstein said.

"In most cases, drug treatment courses for atrial fibrillation, but unfortunately ineffective, and drug therapy is often associated with heavy side effects," said Patel. "

"If these cells are really the source of AF in some patients, and we can find a way to identify them, then our removal can be much more accurate and better targeted to limit the possible side effects, so that the procedure in May be easier and faster and therefore more inexpensive, "said Epstein.

But the investigators caution more research is needed to reach the point where these ideas can be tested in patients. "The promising results of a cellular target for more precise treatment of this common disease," said Epstein.