LEADING CHARM PRODUCTION IN THE INTERACTING GLUON MODEL

We discuss leading charm production in connection with energy depositi on in the central rapidity region. Special attention is given to the c orrelation between production in central and fragmentation regions. If the fraction of the reaction energy released in the central region in creases the asymmetry in the x(F) distributions of charmed mesons will become smaller. We illustrate this quantitatively with simple calcula tions performed using the interacting gluon model. Leading b-quark pro duction is also considered.