Biomaterial Database

Prediction of oxygen transport rates in blood flowing in large capillaries. 1989

P K Nair, and J D Hellums, and J S Olson

Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77251.

A mathematical model has been developed to predict oxygen transport to and from blood flowing in tubes of the diameter of arterioles and larger (approximately 20 microns and larger). The resistance to oxygen transport in red cell suspensions is much higher than that of a comparable homogeneous hemoglobin solution. The increased resistance is associated with encapsulation of the hemoglobin in the red cells. Yet, somewhat paradoxically, for large capillaries relatively little resistance is within or in the immediate vicinity of the red cells. The great majority of the resistance is shown to be distributed in the plasma. Predictions of oxygen uptake and release are shown to be in excellent agreement with results of measurements taken on red cell suspensions flowing in capillaries of 27- and 100-microns diameter. The model seems to be the first for oxygen transport in flowing blood that is validated by detailed comparison with experimental results. It is a predictive model in that all parameters in the model are determined from independent measurements or from the literature.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008833	Microcirculation	The circulation of the BLOOD through the MICROVASCULAR NETWORK.	Microvascular Blood Flow,Microvascular Circulation,Blood Flow, Microvascular,Circulation, Microvascular,Flow, Microvascular Blood,Microvascular Blood Flows,Microvascular Circulations
D008954	Models, Biological	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D010100	Oxygen	An element with atomic symbol O, atomic number 8, and atomic weight [15.99903; 15.99977]. It is the most abundant element on earth and essential for respiration.	Dioxygen,Oxygen-16,Oxygen 16
D010108	Oxyhemoglobins	A compound formed by the combination of hemoglobin and oxygen. It is a complex in which the oxygen is bound directly to the iron without causing a change from the ferrous to the ferric state.	Oxycobalt Hemoglobin,Oxycobalthemoglobin,Oxyhemoglobin,Hemoglobin, Oxycobalt
D001783	Blood Flow Velocity	A value equal to the total volume flow divided by the cross-sectional area of the vascular bed.	Blood Flow Velocities,Flow Velocities, Blood,Flow Velocity, Blood,Velocities, Blood Flow,Velocity, Blood Flow
D002196	Capillaries	The minute vessels that connect arterioles and venules.	Capillary Beds,Sinusoidal Beds,Sinusoids,Bed, Sinusoidal,Beds, Sinusoidal,Capillary,Capillary Bed,Sinusoid,Sinusoidal Bed
D006400	Hematocrit	The volume of packed RED BLOOD CELLS in a blood specimen. The volume is measured by centrifugation in a tube with graduated markings, or with automated blood cell counters. It is an indicator of erythrocyte status in disease. For example, ANEMIA shows a low value; POLYCYTHEMIA, a high value.	Erythrocyte Volume, Packed,Packed Red-Cell Volume,Erythrocyte Volumes, Packed,Hematocrits,Packed Erythrocyte Volume,Packed Erythrocyte Volumes,Packed Red Cell Volume,Packed Red-Cell Volumes,Red-Cell Volume, Packed,Red-Cell Volumes, Packed,Volume, Packed Erythrocyte,Volume, Packed Red-Cell,Volumes, Packed Erythrocyte,Volumes, Packed Red-Cell
D001160	Arterioles	The smallest divisions of the arteries located between the muscular arteries and the capillaries.	Arteriole
D014699	Venules	The minute vessels that collect blood from the capillary plexuses and join together to form veins.	Venule