Metabolic Signaling in a Theoretical Model of the Human Retinal Microcirculation

Impaired blood flow and oxygenation contribute to many ocular pathologies, including glaucoma. Here, a mathematical model is presented that combines an image-based heterogeneous representation of retinal arterioles with a compartmental description of capillaries and venules. The arteriolar model of the human retina is extrapolated from a previous mouse model based on confocal microscopy images. Every terminal arteriole is connected in series to compartments for capillaries and venules, yielding a hybrid model for predicting blood flow and oxygenation throughout the retinal microcirculation. A metabolic wall signal is calculated in each vessel according to blood and tissue oxygen levels. As expected, a higher average metabolic signal is generated in pathways with a lower average oxygen level. The model also predicts a wide range of metabolic signals dependent on oxygen levels and specific network location. For example, for high oxygen demand, a threefold range in metabolic signal is predicted despite nearly identical PO2 levels. This whole-network approach, including a spatially nonuniform structure, is needed to describe the metabolic status of the retina. This model provides the geometric and hemodynamic framework necessary to predict ocular blood flow regulation and will ultimately facilitate early detection and treatment of ischemic and metabolic disorders of the eye.