Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of SolidsVolume 94, September 2016, Pages 490–503
On the thermodynamics of smooth muscle contraction
- Jonas Stålhanda,
- Robert M. McMeekingb, c,
- Gerhard A. Holzapfeld, e, ,
- Jonas Stålhanda,
- Robert M. McMeekingb, c,
- Gerhard A. Holzapfeld, e, ,
- a Solid Mechanics, Department of Management and Engineering, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden
- b Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Department, University of California Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- c School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, Kings College, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
- d Institute of Biomechanics, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 16-II, 8010 Graz, Austria
- e Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Received 27 October 2015, Revised 7 May 2016, Accepted 15 May 2016, Available online 20 May 2016
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jmps.2016.05.018
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AbstractCell function is based on many dynamically complex networks of interacting biochemical reactions. Enzymes may increase the rate of only those reactions that are thermodynamically consistent. In this paper we specifically treat the contraction of smooth muscle cells from the continuum thermodynamics point of view by considering them as an open system where matter passes through the cell membrane. We systematically set up a well-known four-state kinetic model for the cross-bridge interaction of actin and myosin in smooth muscle, where the transition between each state is driven by forward and reverse reactions. Chemical, mechanical and energy balance laws are provided in local forms, while energy balance is also formulated in the more convenient temperature form. We derive the local (non-negative) production of entropy from which we deduce the reduced entropy inequality and the constitutive equations for the first Piola–Kirchhoff stress tensor, the heat flux, the ion and molecular flux and the entropy. One example for smooth muscle contraction is analyzed in more detail in order to provide orientation within the established general thermodynamic framework. In particular the stress evolution, heat generation, muscle shorting rate and a condition for muscle cooling are derived.
Keywords
- Continuum thermodynamics;
- Smooth muscle cell;
- Contraction;
- Kinetic model;
- Constitutive equation;
- Entropy inequality;
- Gibbs free energy