Key result
Telocyte-like cell proportions show no difference across septal pouches and smooth interatrial septa.
Why the study?
The study aimed to identify telocyte-like cells across anatomical variants of the interatrial septum—including left-sided septal pouch, right-sided septal pouch, and smooth septum—and evaluate their immunophenotype and tissue distribution.
Are telocyte-like cells present and differentially distributed in human left- and right-sided atrial septal pouches compared to the smooth interatrial septum?
Observational (n=75)
Are telocyte-like cells present and differentially distributed in human left- and right-sided atrial septal pouches compared to the smooth interatrial septum?
Telocyte-like cells are consistently present across different anatomical variants of the human interatrial septum, suggesting a preserved baseline stromal framework regardless of septal pouch presence.
No differences in telocyte-like cells across septal variants; leaves open their role in atrial arrhythmias.
Background The interatrial septum may present several anatomical variants, including the left-sided septal pouch (LSSP), right-sided septal pouch (RSSP), and a smooth septum. The aim of this study was to identify telocyte-like cells in these variants and to evaluate their immunophenotype and tissue distribution. Materials and methods The study was performed on 75 human hearts obtained during forensic autopsy and without gross structural abnormalities (38 LSSP, 17 RSSP, and 20 smooth septa). Double-immunofluorescence staining was carried out for CD34 in combination with PDGFRα, vimentin, and CD117 (c-Kit), and the material was examined using confocal microscopy with additional quantitative image analysis. Results Telocyte-like cells, recognized on the basis of elongated morphology and CD34 co-expression with PDGFRα or vimentin, were found in all examined septal variants. No CD34/CD117 co-expression was detected. Quantitative analysis showed no significant differences between LSSP, RSSP, and smooth septum in the proportion of CD34/PDGFRα- or CD34/vimentin-positive cells. Assessment of tissue distribution demonstrated the presence of telocyte-like cells in all major tissue layers and structural components of each septal variant, including the endocardium, fibroelastic connective tissue, and myocardial component. No evident qualitative differences in their distribution were observed between variants, except for a lower apparent density in the fibroelastic anchor zone at the fusion point of the septal pouches. Conclusions Telocyte-like cells are consistently identifiable across the human LSSP, RSSP, and smooth interatrial septum. Their comparable distribution suggests preservation of a baseline stromal framework across these anatomical configurations and provides a basis for further studies of septal remodeling.
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Tyrak et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Normal interatrial septum variants (n=75). Left-sided and right-sided septal pouches vs. Smooth interatrial septum was evaluated on Proportion and tissue distribution of CD34/PDGFRα- or CD34/vimentin-positive telocyte-like cells. Telocyte-like cells were consistently identified across left- and right-sided septal pouches and smooth interatrial septa, with no significant quantitative differences in their proportions.
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