Modelling of thrombus growth and growth stop in flow by the method of dissipative particle dynamics

摘要

Platelet aggregation at the site of the vascular injury leads to the formation of a hemostatic plug covering the injury site, or a thrombus in the pathological case. The mechanisms that control clot growth or lead to growth arrest are not yet completely understood. In order to study these mechanisms theoretically, we use the Dissipative Particle Dynamics method, which allows us to model individual platelets in the flow and in the clot. The model takes into account different stages of the platelet adhesion process. First, a platelet is captured reversibly by the aggregate, then it is activated and adheres firmly, becoming a part of its core. We suggest that the core of the clot is composed of platelets unable to attach new platelets from the flow due to their activation by thrombin and/or wrapping by the fibrin mesh. The simulations are in a good agreement with the experimental results [9]. Modelling shows that stopping the growth of a hemostatic plug (and thrombus) may result from its exterior part being removed by the flow and exposed its non-adhesive core to the flow.