A mathematical model for the cell age-dependent decline of creatine in human cell cells.

A mathematical model is proposed to describe the decline of creatine concentration in red blood cells during the course of cell aging. It is based on experimental data concerning two processes of creatine transport across the red cell membrane: a) an active transport, and b) exchange diffusion. The model corresponds well with data obtained from density-fractionated human red cells in normal steady-state erythropoiesis as well as in acutely and chronically activated erythropoiesis. Degradation of the carrier system for active transport is postulated to be the cause of the time course of decline of the cellular creatine concentration.