Network model of pulsatile hemodynamics in the microcirculation of the rabbit omentum.

GROSS, JOSEPH F., MARCOS INTAGLIETTA, AND BENJAMIN W. ZWEIFACH. Network model of pulsatile lzemodynamics in the microcirculation of the rabbit omentum. Am. J. Physiol. 226(5) : 1117-l 123. 1974.-Pulsatile pressure and red cell velocities were measured throughout the microvasculature of the rabbit omentum as a function of the order of branching. The data were analyzed in terms of a network model that incorporates known structural properties of the microvessels at each level of branching. Pulsatile effects are described by a “pressure diffusion” equation, where the diffusion coefficient is determined by the dimensions and mechanical properties of the . microvessels at each order of branching. Experimental and theoretical results show that measurable pressure and velocity pulsatile effects persist through this microvascular bed. Pressure and flow amplitudes were found to decay and the corresponding phase was found to increase, which indicates that this microcirculatory network behaves as a relatively compliant system. Effects in the semipermeable microvessels could be accounted for by compliance due to exchange as well as by compliance due to elasticity. Pressure amplitude and phase were found to be a more sensitive index of changes in structural properties in the microcirculation than corresponding velocity effects.