Modelling pulse wave propagation in the rabbit systemic circulation to assess the effects of altered nitric oxide synthesis.
Pulse wave propagation in the mature rabbit systemic circulation was simulated using the one-dimensional equations of blood flow in compliant vessels. A corrosion cast of the rabbit circulation was manufactured to obtain arterial lengths and diameters. Pulse wave speeds and inflow and outflow boundary conditions were derived from in vivo data. Numerical results captured the main features of in vivo pressure and velocity pulse waveforms in the aorta, brachiocephalic artery and central ear artery. This model was used to elucidate haemodynamic mechanisms underlying changes in peripheral pulse waveforms observed in vivo after administering drugs that alter nitric oxide synthesis in the endothelial cells lining blood vessels. According to our model, these changes can be explained by single or combined alterations of blood viscosity, peripheral resistance and compliance, and the elasticity of conduit arteries.
Alastruey
Jordi
J
Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK. jordi.alastruey-arimon@imperial.ac.uk
Nagel
Simon R
SR
Nier
Bettina A
BA
Hunt
Anthony A E
AA
Weinberg
Peter D
PD
Peiró
Joaquim
J
D000818:Animals; D001158:Arteries / Q000502:physiology; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D001809:Blood Viscosity / Q000502:physiology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D055119:Elastic Modulus / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D011673:Pulsatile Flow / Q000502:physiology*; D011674:Pulse; D011817:Rabbits; D018924:Vascular Capacitance / Q000502:physiology; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000502:physiology
D009569:Nitric Oxide