Abstract
BackgroundPulsatility of blood flow plays a critical role in vascular regulation. It is prominent in arterioles but attenuated in venules, due to damping in microvascular beds. However, the damping mechanisms of flow pulsatility in microcirculation remain unclear.MethodsTo explore the damping process, we developed a mathematical model describing pulse propagation and reflection through vascular network and applied it to artificial test networks with defined properties and a mesenteric experimental network (546 segments). Pulse damping was quantified by percent change in pulsatility index (PI, pressure amplitude/mean pressure).ResultsIn passage through experimental and test networks, PI is reduced by about 30%. Possible damping mechanisms were investigated by changing modeling parameters and properties of test networks. PI damping was not affected by eliminating viscous properties of vascular wall. Upon eliminating wave reflection related to output boundaries, bifurcations, and to vascular resistance, PI damping was reduced to 27, 18, and 2%, respectively.ConclusionDamping related to vascular resistance dominates in the microcirculation and is mostly related to wave reflection. (supported by National Nature Science Foundation of China, # 81271662).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
