实体肿瘤血管任意方向生成的二维数值模拟

2D numerical simulation of tumor angiogenesis moving along random direction

目的二维数值生成实体肿瘤任意方向生长的血管网,为研究实体肿瘤内血液动力学、药物输运以及抗血管生成提供更趋真实的微血管网络结构。方法将新生血管芽尖的内皮细胞迁移方向由先前模型的上、下、左、右四个方向扩展为任意方向,建立相应的二维离散模型,数值模拟实体肿瘤微脉管系统的生成过程,比较模拟结果与相关实验数据的符合程度。结果对盲肠肿瘤微血管网进行数值模拟,与改进前的模型和其他模型比较,本模型生成的肿瘤微血管网结构特征,如血管的走向、扭曲、分叉与融合等,更接近生理实际,与实验观测图像的相似度更高。结论该模型可模拟实体肿瘤的微血管网生成,为肿瘤内血液微循环、药物传递以及抗血管生成的理论研究提供较为接近实际的微血管网络结构。

Objective To generate 2-dimensional （2D） vascular networks by numerical simulation of tumor angiogenesis moving along random directionin order to provide more realistic microvascular networks for the study of hemodynamics, drug delivery and anti-angiogenesis in solid tumors. Methods To extend the migration of endothelial cells on sprouts from four directions^moving up, down, left or right——in previous models to random direction in the present model, and develop a relevant 2D discrete model to simulate the process of tumor angiogenesis and compare the simulation results with some corresponding experimental data. Results Contrast with the unimproved or some previous models, the features of tumor microvascular networks generated from our model by simulating the angiogenesis in caecum tumor, such as vascular tortuosity, branching and anastomosis, are closer to the physiological facts and more resemble the experimental observations. Conclusions The present model could simulate the process of tumor angiogenesis numerically, and provide a relatively more actual network structure of tumor microvasculature for the research about microcirculaUon, drug delivery and anti-angiogenesis in solid tumors.