Nitric oxide diffusion and multi-compartmental systems: modeling and implications

Abstract

The volume transmission (VT), a new type of cellular signaling, is based on the diffusion of neuro-active substances such as Nitric Oxide (NO) in the Extracellular Space (ECS). It is not homogeneous, critically dependent on, and limited by, its structure and physico-chemical properties. We present a different computational model of the NO diffusion based on multi-compartmental systems and transportation phenomena. It allows incorporating these ECS characteristics and the biological features and restrictions of the NO dynamics. This discrete model will allow to determine the NO dynamics and its capabilities in cellular communication and formation of complex structures in biological and artificial environments. This paper addresses the design model and its analysis in one-dimensional and three-dimensional environment, over trapezoidal generation and diffusion processes.