Figure 6. Simulated tumour-like structural adaptation.
A computer-generated visualization of a microvascular network in rat mesentery, showing a simulated structural adaptation of vessel diameters according to parameters that are typical of tumour networks, including a strongly reduced strength of upstream conducted signals and an increased overall vessel growth tendency. Data are shown for volume flow rate (part a) and intravascular oxygen partial pressure (Po2; part b). The formation of a functional arterio-venous shunt (arrow) leads to decreased flow in the more distal vessels (to the right of the arrow) and, consequently, to low oxygen levels in many vessels.