Macrophages conduct electricity, help heart to beat
Thursday, April 20, 2017 - 15:01
in Biology & Nature
Macrophages have a previously unrecognized role in helping the mammalian heart beat in rhythm. Researchers have discovered that macrophages aggregate around central cardiac cells that regulate electrical impulses within the mouse heart, helping the cells conduct electricity. Mice that were genetically engineered to lack macrophages have irregular heartbeats, hinting that these immune cells may also play a role in heart disease.