Effects of L-asparaginase on in vitro immunoglobulin synthesis by rat spleen cells.

  • 1 March 1972
    • journal article
    • Vol. 10  (3) , 515-23
Abstract
The in vitro effects of L-asparaginase on immunoglobulin synthesis by rat spleen cells have been investigated. It was shown that IgG synthesis was markedly inhibited by the enzyme at a concentration of 3·7 IU/ml or greater. This inhibition seemed to be selective, since synthesis of other secreted proteins was less affected. When similar concentrations of asparaginase were compared in vitro in order to measure its effect on phytohaemagglutinin-induced DNA synthesis and immunoglobulin synthesis, it was found that lower enzyme concentrations (1 IU/ml) were able to suppress DNA synthesis completely. These findings may explain the marked immunosuppressive activity of L-asparaginase when given in the inductive period of the immune response.