Fractals and fractal analysis are revolutionary mathematical concepts, touted by many as the universal geometry of nature. These new concepts are ideally suited to characterize the natural variability in physiologic form and function which have previously been described as random. They are providing new perspectives and fresh insights into pulmonary physiology. The proposed work Will use fractal analysis to further characterize the heterogeneity and spatial correlation of pulmonary blood flow distribution. Three interrelated approaches will be used. A new concept of spatial correlation, derived directly from fractal concepts, will provide a means of quantifying the degree of similarity in blood flow between spatially related regions of lung. Experiments will be performed which will quantify the relative effects of gravity, the structure of the vascular tree, and vasomotor tone on the regional heterogeneity of blood flow. The influence of these factors on the spatial correlation of blood flow will also be investigated. A three dimensional fractal model of pulmonary blood flow will be developed and will incorporate the knowledge obtained from the above studies to accurately depict the influences of the pulmonary vascular. tree and gravity on the distribution of blood. Compared to the currently accepted gravitational model, the fractal model will provide a more faithful representation of blood flow at the microcirculatory and gas exchange level.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
5K08HL002625-05
Application #
2210282
Study Section
Research Manpower Review Committee (MR)
Project Start
1991-07-01
Project End
1996-06-30
Budget Start
1995-07-01
Budget End
1996-06-30
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Washington
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
135646524
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98195
Erickson, H H; Bernard, S L; Glenny, R W et al. (1999) Effect of furosemide on pulmonary blood flow distribution in resting and exercising horses. J Appl Physiol 86:2034-43
Hlastala, M P; Bernard, S L; Erickson, H H et al. (1996) Pulmonary blood flow distribution in standing horses is not dominated by gravity. J Appl Physiol 81:1051-61
Bernard, S L; Glenny, R W; Erickson, H H et al. (1996) Minimal redistribution of pulmonary blood flow with exercise in racehorses. J Appl Physiol 81:1062-70
Glenny, R W; Polissar, N L; McKinney, S et al. (1995) Temporal heterogeneity of regional pulmonary perfusion is spatially clustered. J Appl Physiol 79:986-1001
Glenny, R W; Robertson, H T (1995) A computer simulation of pulmonary perfusion in three dimensions. J Appl Physiol 79:357-69
Glenny, R W; Bernard, S; Brinkley, M (1993) Validation of fluorescent-labeled microspheres for measurement of regional organ perfusion. J Appl Physiol 74:2585-97
Glenny, R W (1992) Spatial correlation of regional pulmonary perfusion. J Appl Physiol 72:2378-86