The Theory of the Study of Transfers within a Multi-Compartment System Using Isotopic Tracers

Abstract

Expressions are derived for a system of n compartments whereby the amount of a substance S which has moved from any one compartment to any other can be determined in a single experiment from measurements of the amounts of n tagged species in the individual compartments. It is shown that n individual species of S are required which must be uniformly mixed and behave identically but must be distinguishable by the observer. The application of the equations to studies using multiple isotopic tracers is described, and the special case of a two compartment system is analyzed in detail.