ENMET: Endothelial Cell Metabolism Mathematical Model

Abstract

Endothelial cells have central role in controlling blood vessels homeostasis, secreting vasodilator (Nitric Oxide, NO) and vasoconstrictor (Endothelin-1, ET-1) molecules, in response to various shear-stress levels due to blood flow. ENMET (Endothelial cell METabolism) is mathematical model that mimics completely the principal metabolic pathways in endothelial cell, connecting mechanical-stimuli responses (Et-1 and NO production) to main biochemical reactions. It is based on a set of non-linear differential equations, implemented in Simulink®, based on the cellular energetic state. The validation phase is based on experiments performed in a dynamic culture chamber where cell culture is exposed to a laminar flow that generates a well controlled shear stress.