A computational model to predict cell traction-mediated prestretch in the mitral valve

Abstract

Prestretch is observed in many soft biological tissues, directly influencing the mechanical behavior of the tissue in question. The development of this prestretch occurs through complex growth and remodeling phenomena, which yet remain to be elucidated. In the present study it was investigated whether local cell-mediated traction forces can explain the development of global anisotropic tissue prestretch in the mitral valve. Towards this end, a model predicting actin stress fiber-generated traction forces was implemented in a finite element framework of the mitral valve. The overall predicted magnitude of prestretch induced valvular contraction after release of in vivo boundary constraints was in good agreement with data reported on valvular retraction after excision from the heart. Next, by using a systematic variation of model parameters and structural properties, a more anisotropic prestretch development in the valve could be obtained, which was also similar to physiological values. In conclusion, this study shows that cell-generated traction forces could explain prestretch magnitude and anisotropy in the mitral valve.

Keywords:

• Prestretch
• mitral valve
• cell-traction forces
• finite element method

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Harkamaljot Kandail for his valuable input during discussions about the computational model. The authors furthermore acknowledge Frank Baaijens and Harkamaljot Kandail for reviewing the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

We acknowledge the support from the Netherlands Cardiovascular Research Initiative (CVON 2012-01): The Dutch Heart Foundation, Dutch Federation of University Medical Centers, the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences.