A mechanochemical model for auto-regulation of lung airway surface layer volume. J Theor Biol 2013 May 21;325:42-51
Date
02/19/2013Pubmed ID
23415939Pubmed Central ID
PMC3631568DOI
10.1016/j.jtbi.2013.01.023Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84875258088 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 9 CitationsAbstract
We develop a proof-of-principle model for auto-regulation of water volume in the lung airway surface layer (ASL) by coupling biochemical kinetics, transient ASL volume, and homeostatic mechanical stresses. The model is based on the hypothesis that ASL volume is sensed through soluble mediators and phasic stresses generated by beating cilia and air drag forces. Model parameters are fit based on the available data on human bronchial epithelial cell cultures. Simulations then demonstrate that homeostatic volume regulation is a natural consequence of the processes described. The model maintains ASL volume within a physiological range that modulates with phasic stress frequency and amplitude. Next, we show that the model successfully reproduces the responses of cell cultures to significant isotonic and hypotonic challenges, and to hypertonic saline, an effective therapy for mucus hydration in cystic fibrosis patients. These results compel an advanced airway hydration model with therapeutic value that will necessitate detailed kinetics of multiple molecular pathways, feedback to ASL viscoelasticity properties, and stress signaling from the ASL to the cilia and epithelial cells.
Author List
Herschlag G, Garcia GJ, Button B, Tarran R, Lindley B, Reinhardt B, Elston TC, Forest MGAuthor
Guilherme Garcia PhD Assistant Professor in the Biomedical Engineering department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Body WaterCilia
Elasticity
Homeostasis
Humans
Lung
Models, Biological
Mucus
Respiratory Mucosa
Stress, Mechanical
Viscosity
