Theoretical analysis of vascular regulatory mechanisms contributing to retinal blood flow autoregulation.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To study whether impaired retinal autoregulation is a risk factor for glaucoma, the relationship between vascular regulatory mechanisms and glaucoma progression needs to be investigated. In this study, a vascular wall mechanics model is used to predict the relative importance of regulatory mechanisms in achieving retinal autoregulation.

Methods

Resistance vessels are assumed to respond to changes in pressure, shear stress, carbon dioxide (CO2), and the downstream metabolic state communicated via conducted responses. Model parameters governing wall tension are fit to pressure and diameter data from porcine retinal arterioles. The autoregulation pressure range for control and elevated levels of IOP is predicted.

Results

The factor by which flow changes as the bl

SUBMITTER: Arciero J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3747715 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature