Cited 32 times since 2008 (2 per year) source: EuropePMC TheScientificWorldJournal, Volume 8, 3 1 2008, Pages 239-269 Development of the cardiac conduction system and the possible relation to predilection sites of arrhythmogenesis. Jongbloed MR, Mahtab EA, Blom NA, Schalij MJ, Gittenberger-de Groot AC
The cardiac conduction system (CCS) encompasses a complex system responsible for the coordinated contraction of the heart. In the developing heart, as well as in the adult heart, tissues of the (putative) CCS are characterized by different properties than the surrounding working myocardium, which can be observed on a histological level, as well as by the expression patterns of several immunohistological and molecular markers. In recent years, many markers have been studied that have helped to elucidate the processes involved in CCS development. It has become clear that multiple genes, cells and their interactions are involved in this complex process. In this article, an overview of the current knowledge of CCS development is supplied. Furthermore, several controversies regarding conduction system development are discussed, as well as the possible significance of embryologic development of the CCS for the development of arrhythmias later in life.
