Barta Efrath, Drugan Arieh
Bar-Code Computers Ltd, PO Box 2013, 3912001, Tirat-Carmel, Israel,
J Membr Biol. 2014 Aug;247(8):685-94. doi: 10.1007/s00232-014-9687-3. Epub 2014 Jun 4.
The process of glucose transport via the placenta is not fully deciphered. Here, we apply a theoretical model to compute glucose fluxes via the terminal villi of the human placenta for various sets of parameter values and conclude on characteristics of transport across the two bordering membranes. Based on available measured data, the spatial geometry of the terminal villi is being simulated. Within this region, glucose concentrations and fluxes are computed by a numerical scheme that solves the diffusion equation with boundary conditions that account for transporter mediated diffusion at the membranes. Feasible parameter values (ones that induce physiological glucose fluxes) are determined for four optional symmetry characteristics of the membranes. Confronting computed results with clinical knowledge reveals the most plausible scenario-symmetric activity of the transporter at the microvillous membrane. Thus, sensitivity analysis of the computed results enables deduction about micro-scale mechanisms at the bordering membranes based on macro-scale knowledge.
葡萄糖通过胎盘的转运过程尚未完全弄清楚。在此，我们应用一个理论模型，针对各种参数值集计算通过人胎盘终末绒毛的葡萄糖通量，并就跨两个相邻膜的转运特征得出结论。基于现有的测量数据，对终末绒毛的空间几何结构进行模拟。在该区域内，通过一个数值方案计算葡萄糖浓度和通量，该方案求解扩散方程，并带有考虑膜上转运体介导扩散的边界条件。针对膜的四种可选对称特征确定了可行的参数值（那些能诱导生理葡萄糖通量的参数值）。将计算结果与临床知识进行对比，揭示了最合理的情况——微绒毛膜上转运体的对称活性。因此，对计算结果的敏感性分析能够基于宏观知识推断相邻膜处的微观尺度机制。
