Interaction of feedback control and product inhibition in the activation of factor X by factors IXa and VIII.

A simple numerical model of the activation of factor X by factors IXa and VIII has been constructed in order to identify and examine the major controls that operate in a nonflowing system in the presence of (1) inhibitors of factor Xa and (2) feedback activation of factor VIII by factor Xa. The model confirms, and allows parameter estimation for, (1) the control of factor Xa yield by factor VIIIa decay; (2) the control of generation-curve area by the rate of factor Xa inhibition; and (3) the reduction in the factor VIIIa decay rate in the presence of factor IXa. Beyond confirmation of existing data, the model also predicts that below a definite, but very low, threshold level of factor IXa (less than or equal to 10 pM), minimal feedback activation of factor VIII will occur. The concentration of factor IXa at which the threshold is observed in simulations is dependent on the rate of inhibition of factor Xa.