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Oscillations in microvessel networks with RBC suspensions: Preliminary in vitro experimental results in a 3 node network
Author(s) -
Carr Russell T,
Maher Meaghan,
Geddes John B
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.973.3
Subject(s) - node (physics) , hysteresis , bistability , mechanics , flow (mathematics) , control theory (sociology) , nonlinear system , steady state (chemistry) , rheology , physics , materials science , chemistry , computer science , thermodynamics , condensed matter physics , control (management) , quantum mechanics , artificial intelligence
We have been exploring spontaneous oscillations caused by rheological properties of blood in the microcirculation. The range of parameters over which the oscillations occur in a simple 2 node network is too small to verify our predictions experimentally. The parameter range for oscillations is much greater for a three node topology. Three steady states often exist in 3 node networks. Of these three steady states, one is unstable, suggesting that flow through such a network may exhibit nonlinear bistability. One of the stable steady states has clockwise flow in one branch and the other stable steady state has counter clockwise flow in that branch. The computation predicts that the flow ratio at which the change in direction exhibits a hysteresis. We have constructed a 3 node network of microchannels having 50 μm diameters. We conducted flow experiments using RBC suspensions and isotonic saline to test our bistability hysteresis prediction. Our model experiments did not reveal such a hysteresis but exhibited spontaneous oscillations. These fluctuations occur over a range of experimental conditions. We present video evidence of oscillations from these flow experiments. These are the first data we have obtained to test our predictions of microvascular fluctuations because of nonlinear dynamics. Financial Support by UNH Research Experience Apprenticeship Program (REAP)