Quantify macrophage egress rates through the internal elastic lamina in early lesions

Ascertain the egress rate of monocyte-derived macrophages across the internal elastic lamina (IEL) in early human atherosclerotic lesions and determine whether the IEL egress rate differs from the endothelial boundary egress rate, to validate or refine the boundary condition assumption of equal egress rates at x = 0 and x = X.

Background

The model imposes boundary conditions that allow macrophage egress at both the endothelial boundary (x = 0) and the IEL (x = X). Due to lack of measurements, the authors assume equal egress rates at both boundaries, which can affect predicted spatial distributions and infiltration depths.

Empirical determination of IEL egress rates would enable calibration of boundary fluxes and improve the fidelity of modeled macrophage dynamics near the media.