Structural Adaptation and Heterogeneity of Normal and Tumor Microvascular Networks
Figure 4
Predicted effects of signals conducted along the vessel wall on network characteristics.
For a mesenteric network with 546 vessel segments, the conduction sensitivity was varied around the value used for ‘normal adaptation’ (vertical dashed line). Reduction of conduction strength below this level leads to a small increase in diameter mismatch and to development of a pronounced oxygen deficit despite a fixed level of bulk tissue perfusion.