  We discuss leading charm production in connection with energy deposition in
the central rapidity region. Special attention is given to the correlation
between production in central and fragmentation regions. If the fraction of the
reaction energy released in the central region increases the asymmetry in the
$x_F$ distributions of charmed mesons will become smaller. We illustrate this
quantitatively with simple calculations performed using the Interacting Gluon
Model. Leading beauty production is also considered.
