On the basis of cellular automata models, a software specifically tailored
to model biochemical reactions involved in cellular signal transduction was
implemented on a personal computer. Recent data regarding desensitization
processes in mouse Leydig cells are used to simulate the underlying reactio
ns of signal transduction. Pretreatment of real Leydig cells with different
molecules results in a modification of the signal transduction cascade lea
ding to a diminished response of the cells during subsequent stimulations,
The model is capable of simulating the complex behavior of this intracellul
ar second messenger production in a qualitative and semi-quantitative way.
The results indicate that quantitative simulations on a molecular level wil
l be possible once appropriate computer hardware is available, The simulati
ons and results of the cellular automaton presented are easily described an
d comprehended, which make it a useful tool that will facilitate research i
n cellular signal transduction and other fields covering complex reaction n
etworks, (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.