An algorithm for generating biophysically realistic three-dimensional arteriolar networks applied to rat skeletal...

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Biology

Background:

• The microcirculation's role in tissue perfusion is crucial.
• The relationship between tissue geometry and microvascular networks remains unclear.
• Understanding this relationship is vital for studying perfusion in various tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a computational algorithm for simulating arteriolar networks in ellipsoidal tissue volumes.
• To investigate the influence of tissue shape and size on microvascular properties.
• To provide a tool for research on perfusion distribution in skeletal muscles.

Main Methods:

• Developed a constrained constructive optimization algorithm for iterative network generation.
• Incorporated user-adjustable parameters for tissue dimensions and microvessel density.
• Analyzed geometric and hemodynamic properties of simulated networks.

Main Results:

• Simulated networks showed statistical similarity across different skeletal muscle tissues.
• Tissue shape influenced microvascular properties only above a ~25 μm vessel diameter threshold.
• Algorithm validation against in vivo data confirmed accuracy and adaptability.

Conclusions:

• The developed algorithm accurately simulates microvascular networks in varying tissue shapes and sizes.
• Tissue shape has a limited impact on microvessel properties, primarily affecting larger vessels.
• This tool advances the understanding of perfusion distribution in healthy tissues.