EP News: Basic and Translational

Cardiomyocytes from the apex but not the base of the heart increase contractility in response to β2-adrenoceptor (β2AR) stimulation, which may underlie the development of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. However, both cell types produce comparable cytosolic amounts of the second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Wright et al (Cell Rep 2018;23:459, PMID 29642004) investigated this dis crepancy using nanoscale imaging techniques and found that, structurally, base cardiomyocytes have more organized membranes (higher T-tubular and caveolar densities).
Source: Heart Rhythm - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: EP News Source Type: research