Simulation of axoplasmic transport

We have analysed a kinetic model of axonal transport by simulating experimental tracer profiles. The existence of three phases of axoplasmic transport is assumed: fast anterograde, slow anterograde and retrograde. Each phase has its characteristic velocity. Transported materials are postulated to shift between these phases. Also catabolism and sequestration of material is allowed for in our model. Thus, we have set up equations which contain axonal transport, diffusion and cross-over terms. The rate constants of material shifts were determined by computer fitting to experimental data. Best-fitted values of the rate constants for transfer of material between the fast and slow phases were both 2 X 10(-5) sec-1, while the rate constants for transfer between the fast and retrograde phases were both 1 X 10(-5) sec-1. The rate constant of material loss from the slow phase to the extracellular space was 1 X 10(-6) sec-1. The material shift between the slow and retrograde phases was negligibly small. These data show that there is exchange of material between the fast and slow phases and between the fast and retrograde phases. However, there is no significant exchange between the slow and retrograde phases. Diffusion was found to have only a minor effect on the profiles. The velocity of the fast anterograde track in cold-blooded animals was predicted to be around 200 mm/day, or, in other words, to be close to experimentally observed values of the fast anterograde component of axonal transport.