Abstract
We investigated numerically the mechanism of margination of Plasmodium falciparum malaria-infected red blood cells (Pf-IRBCs) in micro-scale blood flow. Our model illustrates that continuous hydrodynamic interaction between a Pf-IRBC in the trophozoite stage (Pf-T-IRBC) and healthy red blood cells (HRBCs) results in the margination of the Pf-T-IRBC and, thus, a longer duration of contact with endothelial cells. The Pf-T-IRBC and HRBCs first form a "train". The volume fraction of RBCs is then locally increased, to approximately 40%, and this value is maintained for a long period of time due to the formation of a long train in high-hematocrit conditions. Even in low-hematocrit conditions, the local volume fraction is instantaneously elevated to 40% and the Pf-T-IRBC can migrate to the wall. However, the short train formed in low-hematocrit conditions does not provide continuous interaction, and the Pf-T-IRBC moves back to the center of the channel.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1553-1558 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Biomechanics |
Volume | 44 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2011 May 17 |
Keywords
- Hydrodynamic interaction
- Malaria
- Margination
- Numerical simulation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biophysics
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation