A computational model of the initial/pre-collecting lymphatics, and a study of lymphatic valvogenesis

Abstract

This thesis describes a computational model for an initial/pre-collecting lymphatic network and a study on valvogenesis (formation of valves in the lymphatics during embryonic development). The computational model was applied to rat mesenteric lymphatic networks (19- and 163-segment) with sparse secondary valves. The network was simulated with these secondary valves being operational and non-operational. Sensitivity of parameters like the vessel stiffness, interstitial resistance, and the availability of primary valves, on the cycle-mean outflow-rate from the 19-segment network was considered. Results for the study on valvogenesis, simulations done on the 2D images of embryonic skin lymphatic network suggest that fluid shear stress does not localize the expression of Prox1 (a transcription factor responsible for valve formation).