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M D Gerhardts

Publications and source records attributed to M D Gerhardts.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

[Mathematical models in hematology].

The use of mathematical models in haematology is shown by some examples concerning stem cell kinetics, erythropoiesis and thrombopoiesis. At first, model assumptions are formulated which include the biological knowledge and some regulatory hypotheses. Then, the reaction of the model on stimulation and suppression is calculated. Finally, by comparison with experimental or clinical data one can evaluate how far the model assumptions are sufficient to understand the measurements. Thus one can exclude wrong hypotheses and identify the important regulatory influences.

Blood Platelets↗

A mathematical model of thrombopoiesis in rats.

A mathematical model of thrombopoiesis in rats is presented. This has four compartments; stem cells, megakaryocytes, thrombocytes and thrombopoietin. A high thrombopoietin concentration influences bone marrow proliferation in three ways. Firstly the stem cells are stimulated and a slow increase in megakaryocyte number follows. Secondly there are additional endomitoses in the (early) megakaryocytes resulting in an increase in megakaryocyte volume. Thirdly the megakaryocyte maturation time is shortened. The parameters of the model are determined from experimental values for the normal, maximum and minimum proliferation rates, maturation times and destruction rates. The model is tested by comparing simulated results for acute and chronic thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis with experimental curves from the literature. The model and data agree within the limits of experimental error. Not all of the thrombopoietic regulatory system is known yet, so some important alternative hypotheses are investigated and compared with the model. Several hypotheses have been excluded in this way.

Animals↗