A model for stress-induced growth in the developing heart

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Developmental Biology
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Mechanical loads are known to influence the growth and morphogenesis of the developing heart.
• Understanding these biomechanical factors is crucial for comprehending embryonic heart development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate stress-modulated growth in the embryonic chick ventricle using a theoretical model.
• To correlate theoretical predictions with experimental data for validation.

Main Methods:

• A theoretical model of a thick-walled, compressible, pseudoelastic cylinder was developed.
• Finite volumetric growth was incorporated by linking the zero-stress configuration's rate of change to Cauchy stresses.
• The model was used to simulate ventricular growth under normal and abnormal cavity pressures.

Main Results:

• The model accurately predicted changes in radius and wall volume during embryonic development, consistent with experimental measurements.
• Predicted residual stress from differential growth aligned with experimental data.
• End-diastolic pressure was identified as a key growth-modulating stimulus.

Conclusions:

• Wall stress appears to be a significant biomechanical regulator of growth in the embryonic heart.
• The theoretical model provides a valuable tool for studying heart development under various mechanical conditions.
• Findings support the role of biomechanics in cardiac morphogenesis.