A MODEL FOR OUTGROWTH OF BRANCHING NEURITES

The outgrowth of branching neurites is studied by modeling the dynamic behavior of the growth cones, which are the active structures at the neuritic tips. The basic actions of the growth cones comprise elongation, branching and guidance as a result of interaction with the local environment. The neurite itself is modeled by an elastic structure. The model is able to reproduce metrical and topological characteristics of tissue-cultured neurites (described by Bray, 1973, J. Cell Biol. 56, 702-712). The model shows that morphological characteristics of neurites can emerge from mechanisms acting purely at the level of the growth cone. © 1992 Academic Press Limited All rights reserved.