Visualization tools for the Renal Physiome

International audienceWe present a 3D zoomable "virtual kidney" interface for web access to mathematical models of kidney function. The initial view is of a translucent 3D, gross anatomy reconstruction of a rat kidney showing contours of the renal capsule, inner and outer medullas, and the ureter, as well as renal arteries and veins to several levels of branching. Visible within the cortex are a superficial and a juxtamedullary nephron. Using the mouse buttons, one can rotate the kidney, display or hide individual structures, and zoom in on any portion. From a menu list, one may select from several implemented mathematical models, such as segmental (e.g., proximal or distal tubule) or medullary transport models. The simulation results (solute concentrations or local flow rates) are visible on the virtual kidney structures as scaled color gradients, thus allowing a global appreciation of the effects of simulated parameter changes. A separate panel shows x-y plots of the results. The underlying models are implemented via CellML descriptions and incorporate, as far as possible, links to underlying renal ontology (under development). (This work is supported by INSERM, and...