Modeling VEGF Distribution in Blood and Tissues
Author Information
Author(s): Marianne O. Stefanini, Florence T.H. Wu, Feilim Mac Gabhann, Aleksander S. Popel
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Hypothesis
How does the concentration of VEGF vary between healthy and diseased tissues?
Conclusion
The model shows that VEGF distribution is sensitive to secretion rates and vascular permeability, with significant implications for understanding angiogenesis in health and disease.
Supporting Evidence
- VEGF concentration varies linearly with the secretion rate in physiological contexts.
- In diseased tissues, VEGF levels are less sensitive to changes in vascular permeability.
- Half of the VEGF in healthy tissue is bound to receptors, while this binding decreases in diseased tissues.
Takeaway
This study created a model to understand how a protein called VEGF moves in the body, especially during exercise and in diseases like cancer.
Methodology
A compartment model was constructed to analyze VEGF distribution in blood and tissues, considering factors like secretion rate and vascular permeability.
Limitations
The model does not account for all possible factors influencing VEGF transport, such as the presence of receptors on the luminal side of endothelial cells.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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