In vitro studies on single beating rat heart cells

Single beating cells may be prepared from the young rat heart and two types of cells are seen, independent “leading” cells which may beat spontaneously and “following’ cells which beat only upon contact with beating cells.

Abstract

Summary Single beating cells may be prepared from the young rat heart. These cells may beat for up to 40 days. The process of dedifferentiation is seemingly accompanied by loss of striations and cessation of beating. The histological appearance was discussed. Single independently beating cells grow into synchronously beating nets of cells and eventually develop into beating fibers. Synchrony depends upon protoplasmic contact. Two types of cells are seen, independent "leading" cells which may beat spontaneously and "following" cells which beat only upon contact with beating cells.