Vasomotion and Myogenic Response of the Afferent Arteriole

Abstract

In this chapter we introduce techniques for modeling the vasomotion and myogenic response of the afferent arteriole, which supplies blood to the nephron. We develop a mathematical model that simulates the spontaneous rhythmic activities exhibited by the renal afferent arteriole. That model consists of a system of coupled nonlinear ODEs, and is based on the well-known Morris-Lecar model. The afferent arteriole responds to luminal pressure elevation with constriction, and to pressure reduction with dilation. That response, which is called the myogenic response, can be modeled by incorporating into the above model a hypothesis that allows changes in hydrostatic pressure to cause appropriate changes in intracellular calcium concentration, thereby inducing vasoconstriction or vasodilation.