[A mathematical model of O2 transport by erythrocytes in capillaries]

A model of diffusive O2 transport in erythrocyte and surrounding plasma is suggested which allows for the calculation of pO2 distribution in a 3-dimensional capillary region. The dynamic of O2 diffusion inside and outside erythrocyte and reaction kinetics of red blood cell are considered. The finite differential method is used to obtain a pO2 profiles as a solution of the differential equations. Resulting pO2 profiles exhibit large peri-oxyhemoglobin and small plasma pO2 gradients. Such O2 transport peculiarity in capillary creates optimal conditions for tissue O2 supply.