Simulation of corneal neovascularization by inverted diffusion limited aggregation.
OBJECTIVE
The authors modeled the normally avascular mammalian cornea response to injury by neovascularization. The nature of this process remains obscure, although diffusion mechanisms are thought to be involved.


METHODS
Corneal neovascularization was simulated using fractal stochastic computer models for nonequilibrium diffusion (inverted diffusion limited aggregation) and a stochastic ballistic aggregation.


RESULTS
The inverted diffusion limited aggregation model was found to generate patterns strikingly similar to those observed in pathologic neovascularization of the cornea in vivo.


CONCLUSIONS
This result supports the role of random diffusion mechanisms modified by environmental factors, such as the release of angiogenic factors in corneal angiogenesis.
Landini
G
G
Oral Pathology Unit, Dental School, University of Birmingham, England.
Misson
G
G
D003198:Computer Simulation; D016510:Corneal Neovascularization; D004058:Diffusion; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological