Modeling of Kidney Hemodynamics: Probability-Based Topology of an Arterial Network
Fig 11
Simulation results for ABT (left) and KSABT (right) for Dinitial = 40 μm and Dstop = 22 μm.
Top panel: 3D visualization of simulated structures. Middle panel: Possible tubular pressure values for each nephron as function of the feeding pressure. For the ABT structure, the nephrons are inactive for the whole range of the root feeding pressure, while for the KSABT structure all nephrons are active within a wide range of the root feeding pressure. Bottom panel: Dynamics of tubular pressure Pt variations in all nephrons for pressure in the feeding vessel equal to 10 kPa (∼ 75 mmHg). This pressure level is insufficient for nephrons in the ABT structure to oscillate while for the KSABT structure the nephrons show oscillatory dynamics. Negative values of tubular pressure for the ABT structure are the consequence of insufficient pressure in the afferent arteriole to balance venous and filtration pressure and flow. Tubular pressure shown on the middle and bottom panels is color coded for each nephron according to the color markers on the top panel.