A Comprehensive Framework for Modeling Intestinal Smooth Muscle Cell Contraction with Applications to Intestinal Edema

The contraction of intestinal smooth muscle cells (ISMCs) is a complex process, involving many chemical reactions and mechanical triggers working to produce the contraction-relaxation cycle. Due to its complexity, it is difficult to isolate the effect of one factor on the overall process. Mathematical modeling allows one to test various combinations of parameters and structural geometries to assess their effects on the process. Here we present a comprehensive mathematical model of the contraction of an ISMC from its initial innervation by the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to the final mechanical contraction. To the best of the authors′ knowledge, this is the first framework of its kind to model the phenomenon from innervation to mechanical contraction, incorporating both chemical and physical models.