Fig. 7.
Model predicted (–) changes in active stress generation at the optimal circumferential stretch (λθ = 1.604) for vessels previously adapted at particular values of stretch (from 1.191 to 1.604) for durations ranging from 0 to 5 hours. The model parameters were obtained by fitting mean experimental data (○) for n = 4 aortic rings adapted at λθ = 1.191 for 2 and 3 hours. It was assumed that the steady-state isometric active tone triggered through PE contraction was reached before 2 h of contraction. The error bar represents the standard error of the mean.