Characterizing the resistances to O2 transport from the erythrocyte to the mitochondrion is important to understanding potential transport limitations. A mathematical model is developed to accurately determine the e€ects of erythrocyte spacing (hematocrit), velocity, and capillary radius on the mass transfer coecient. Parameters of the hamster cheek pouch retractor muscle are used in the calcu...

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of capillary network anastomoses and tortuosity on oxygen transport in skeletal muscle, as well as the importance of muscle fibers in determining the arrangement of parallel capillaries. Countercurrent flow and random capillary blockage (e.g. by white blood cells) were also studied. A general computational model was constructed to simul...

Brain capillary endothelial cells form a blood-brain barrier (BBB) that appears to play a role in fluid and ion homeostasis in brain. One important transport system that may be involved in this regulatory function is the Na+, K+-ATPase that was previously demonstrated to be present in isolated brain capillaries. The goal of the present study was to identify additional Na+ transport systems in b...

Albumin plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis within the body and depends on the cell membrane and the transport mechanism, including diffusion, osmosis, filtration, and active transport. The dissolved proteins, which are the only substances that do not penetrate the pores of the capillary membrane, are responsible for the osmotic pressure of the capillary membrane. Approximately 7...

PURPOSE To characterize the properties of the glucose transporters of bovine retinal capillary endothelial cells and pericytes and to determine the effects of increased glucose concentrations on glucose transport activity. METHODS Primary cultures of bovine retinal capillary endothelial cells and pericytes were exposed to low and high glucose concentrations, and immunoblot analysis, 14C-3-O-m...

In this paper we report on the gravity-driven transport of rigid spheres of various sizes through the fluid–fluid interface of a demixed colloid–polymer mixture. Three consecutive stages can be distinguished: (i) the sphere approaches the interface by sedimenting through the polymer-rich phase, (ii) it is subsequently transported to the colloid-rich phase and (iii) it moves away from the interf...