Cells Beating in Artificial Heart Tissue (VIDEO)

Washington University in St. Louis

Caption

In this movie of an artificial tissue, the heart muscle cells are beating in an abnormal rhythm called cardiac alternans, where a full beat alternates with a partial beat. The heart rhythm is made visible by an indicator molecule that fluoresces when calcium ions flood into the cell at the beginning of an action impulse.

Credit

The movie was created by Teresa M. Abney, Ph.D., as part of her doctoral work in the Genin and Elson labs.

Usage Restrictions

Please credit

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.