Mast Cells Play a Part in Inducing Atrial Fibrosis and Atrial Fibrillation

Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan, have discovered that mast cells contribute to atrial fibrosis and atrial fibrillation (Afib).

mast cells accumulate and become activated in the atria of the hearts, which are characterized by atrial fibrosis and enhanced susceptibility to induction of Afib.” They reported that “stabilizing mast cells and generating mast cell-deficient mice reduced fibrotic atrial remodeling and susceptibility to Afib induction.”

According to a press release, the researchers determined that “

atrium-infiltrating mast cells increased production of the molecule PDGF-A, and that this promoted atrial fibrosis and susceptibility to Afib induction.” Based on these findings, the researchers suggest that “targeting the mast cell/PDGF-A axis might provide a way to prevent Afib in stressed hearts.”

Further study indicated that “

in an article titled “Cardiac mast cells cause atrial fibrillation through PDGF-A—mediated fibrosis in pressure-overloaded mouse hearts.”

The study results were published in the December 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation

Using a mouse model of atrial fibrillation, researchers at