An Anatomically Realistic Geometrical Model of the Intra-epidermal Nerves in the Human Foot

摘要

The intra-epidermal nerve fibre (IENF) network in the skin of the foot generates the sensory nerve action potentials (SNAP). Variations in the conduction velocity (CV) of the SNAP can be recorded to identify diabetic neuropathies. A computational model of the IENF network of the foot may provide a suitable platform to investigate small fibre neuropathy by determining SNAP and CV at different stages of disease and in different regions of the foot. In this work, we demonstrate the development of an anatomically realistic model of the IENF network in the skin of the whole foot and also an IENF network with localized neuropathy. A Monte Carlo algorithm was used to generate the bifurcated IENF network tree based on IENF density (IENFD). In addition, this model demonstrates an initial perturbed IENF network at the lateral region just above the little toe of the foot based on IENFD at this region, to simulate small fibre neuropathy. This generated model will be used in forthcoming studies to integrate the structural and functional consequences of small fibre neuropathy.