Fibroblast-myocyte coupling in the heart: Potential relevance for therapeutic interventions.

Abstract Cardiac myocyte– fibroblastelectrotonic coupling is a well-established fact in vitro. Indirect evidence of its presence in vivo exists, but few functional studies have been published. This review describes the current knowledge of fibroblast– myocyteelectrical signaling in the heart. Further research is needed to understand the frequency and extent of heterocellular interactions in vivo in order to gain a better understanding of their relevance in healthy and diseased myocardium. It is hoped that associated insight into myocyte– fibroblastcoupling in the heart may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and the development of agents for improving outcomes of myocardial scarringand fibrosis.