Afib News & Events

Afib Triggered by Pigment-Producing Cells in the Heart and Pulmonary Veins

New Research Finds Cells that Trigger Atrial Fibrillation (AF) – 10-21-09

Afib is the most common irregular heartbeat but its cause hasn’t been clear. Now new research on humans and mice, just published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, has found a cell that may trigger afib.

Like the skin cells called melanocytes that make pigment, these cells make an enzyme called DCT (dopachrome tautomerase) that synthesizes the pigment melanin. Research suggests that dysfunction in these cells in the heart’s upper chambers, the atria, and in the pulmonary veins connecting to the atria may actually contribute to atrial fibrillation.

More studies are needed to broaden our understanding of how these cells trigger atrial arrhythmias, which could lead to more effective atrial fibrillation treatment.

To read more about the study, see:

• A Cell That Resembles a Pigment-Producing Skin Cell Triggers Atrial Fibrillation
• Melanocyte-like cells in the heart and pulmonary veins contribute to atrial arrhythmia triggers