A biophysical model for integration of electrical, osmotic, and pH regulation in the human bronchial epithelium

Cibele V. Falkenberg, Eric Jakobsson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A dynamical biophysical model for the functioning of an epithelium is presented. This model integrates the electrical and osmotic behaviors of the epithelium, taking into account intracellular conditions. The specific tissue modeled is the human bronchial epithelium, which is of particular interest, as it is the location of the most common lethal symptoms of cystic fibrosis. The model is implemented in a modular form to facilitate future application of the code to other epithelial tissue by inputting different transporters, channels, and geometric parameters. The model includes pH regulation as an integral component of overall regulation of epithelial function, through the interdependence of pH, bicarbonate concentration, and current. The procedures for specification, the validation of the model, and parametric studies are presented using available experimental data of cultured human bronchial epithelium. Parametric studies are performed to elucidate a), the contribution of basolateral chloride channels to the short-circuit current functional form, and b), the role that regulation of basolateral potassium conductance plays in epithelial function.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1476-1485
Number of pages10
JournalBiophysical journal
Volume98
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 21 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics

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