Fig. 2.

Optimization protocol for adjustable parameters to produce best fit of model to experimental data. Vessel wall stress, strain, and estimates of VSM activation and cytosolic Ca²⁺ are calculated for each data point. Initial guesses of the adjustable parameters are made to simulate the cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration as a function of the mechanical stimulus using model 3. Model 2 and model 1 equations are then used to simulate VSM activations and vessel wall stresses and strains. The total error between calculated and simulated values is determined and if error tolerance is not met then the adjustable parameter values are updated and the simulation process is repeated.