Cardiac Conduction (IMAGE)

Virginia Tech

Cardiac Conduction

Caption

This is an image from a super resolution microscope shows molecules occupying a tiny space between heart muscle cells. In green are gap junction molecules, which provide a low-resistance path for electrical conductivity. Molecules in red are sodium channel beta molecules, which help conduct electricity and glue - as Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute scientists discovered -cooperatively activating sodium channels together, contributing to electrical excitation to spread through heart muscle. Researchers hope to target this structure to develop anti-arrhythmic therapies for heart ailments.

Credit

Virginia Tech/Gourdie lab

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