A comprehensive mathematical framework for modeling intestinal smooth muscle cell contraction with applications to intestinal edema

•We present a framework for modeling ISMC contractility.•Purpose of this framework is to study the effects of edema on the contractility.•We start with chemical models and end with a cell model.•We find a correlation between increased edema and reduced contractility.•We compare our results to experimental data.

The contraction of intestinal smooth muscle cells (ISMCs) involves many coordinated biochemical and mechanical processes. In this work, we present a framework for modeling ISMC contractility that begins with chemical models of calcium dynamics, continues with myosin light chain phosphorylation and force generation, and ends with a cell model of the ISMC undergoing contraction–relaxation. The motivation for developing this comprehensive framework is to study the effects of edema (excess fluid build-up in the muscle tissue) on ISMC contractility. The hypothesis is that more fluid equates to dilution of an external stimulis, eventually leading to reduced contractility. We compare our results to experimental data collected from normal versus edematous intestinal muscle tissue.

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