An experiment-based model of oxygen transport in capillary networks under normal and septic conditions

A previously described computational model (Ellis et al., 2002, and Goldman and Popel, 2000) for oxygen transport in capillary networks of the hamster cheek pouch retractor muscle is adapted to study the rat extensor digitorum longus muscle. Biophysical parameters from the literature are combined with experimental measurements to construct a model of capillary network structure and oxygen transport from blood to tissue. We describe how experimental values are related to model parameters, and how numerical simulations can be used to determine the effects of sepsis on oxygen transport heterogeneity and the development of localized tissue hypoxia.