Human epicardium-derived cells reinforce cardiac sympathetic innervation

After cardiac damage, excessive neurite outgrowth (sympathetic hyperinnervation) can occur, which is related to ventricular arrhythmias/sudden cardiac death. Post-damage reactivation of epicardium causes epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs) to acquire a mesenchymal character, contributing to cardiac regeneration. Whether EPDCs also contribute to cardiac re/hyperinnervation, is unknown.
Source: Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology - Category: Cytology Authors: Source Type: research