Weise, M.Li, P.Roberts, M.S.2025-12-172025-12-172012Microcirculation, 2012; 19(8):723-7281073-96881549-8719https://hdl.handle.net/1959.8/125158Objectives: Up to now, vascular indicator-dilution curves have been analyzed by numerical integration or by fitting empirical functions to the data. Here, we apply a recently developed mechanistic model with the goal to quantitatively describe flow distribution in the sinusoidal network of normal rat livers and those with high-fat emulsion-induced NASH. Methods: Single-pass outflow concentration data of sucrose were obtained from in situ perfused rat livers after impulse injection. The model fitted to the data consists of a continuous mixture of inverse Gaussian densities assuming a normal distribution of regional flow. It accounts for the fractal flow heterogeneity in the organ and has three adjustable parameters with a clear physiological interpretation. Results: The model fitted the data well and revealed that the intrahepatic flow dispersion of 49.6 % in the control group increased significantly to 87.2 % in the NASH group (p < 0.01). In contrast to previously used empirical functions, the present model exhibits a power-law tail (∼t−2.4), which is a signature of fractal microvascular networks. Conclusions: The approach offers the possibility to determine hepatic blood flow heterogeneity in perfused livers and to evaluate the functional implications.enCopyright 2012 John Wiley & Sonsflow distributionfractal heterogeneityindicator dilutionlivernonalcoholic steatohepatitisJournal article10.1111/j.1549-8719.2012.00208.x2-s2.0-84869795483