Integrative modeling of small artery structure and function uncovers critical parameters for diameter regulation.

ABSTRACT: Organ perfusion is regulated by vasoactivity and structural adaptation of small arteries and arterioles. These resistance vessels are sensitive to pressure, flow and a range of vasoactive stimuli. Several strongly interacting control loops exist. As an example, the myogenic response to a change of pressure influences the endothelial shear stress, thereby altering the contribution of shear-dependent dilation to the vascular tone. In addition, acute responses change the stimulus for structural adaptation and vice versa. Such control loops are able to maintain resistance vessels in a functional and stable state, characterized by regulated wall stress, shear stress, matched active and passive biomechanics and presence of vascular reserve. In this modeling study, four adaptation processes are i

SUBMITTER: VanBavel E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3908953 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature