QUALITATIVE MODELING OF NORMAL BLOOD-COAGULATION AND ITS PATHOLOGICALSTATES USING STOCHASTIC ACTIVITY NETWORKS

We have developed a method for representing biological pathways and si mulating their behavior based on the use of stochastic activity networ ks (SANs). SANs, an extension of the original Petri net, have been use d traditionally to model flow systems including data-communications ne tworks and manufacturing processes. We apply the methodology to the bl ood coagulation cascade, a biological flow system, and present the rep resentation method as well as results of simulation studies based on p ublished experimental data. In addition to describing the dynamic mode l, we also present the results of its utilization to perform simulatio ns of clinical slates including hemophilia's A and B as well as sensit ivity analysis of individual factors and their impact on thrombin prod uction. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.