KSim - Flat Medulla Simulation of
Medullary Osmole Production (MOP)

Presentation and on-line trial of our flat medulla model (described elsewhere in this site), with the aim of exploring the possibility that inner medullary metabolic osmole production (conversion of glucose --> 2 lactates by anaerobic glycolysis) may contribute to the inner medullary osmotic gradient.

This model includes IM production of lactate by anaerobic glycolysis, known to be important because of the relative hypoxia of the IM. Comparison of simulations with varying rates of glycolytic conversion of glucose to lactate strongly suggest that it could play a significant role in the genesis of the IM osmotic gradient by amplifying the IM recycling of NaCl.

For now, the visitor is invited to explore the results of two simulations that show the model's behavior in the absence and presence of glucose-to-lactate conversion by anaerobic glycolysis. It will eventually be possible for the visitor to modify the model's parameter values and launch new simulations according to his/her own questions.

The applets are currently not operational due to some maintenance work.
Please excuse the inconvenience.