Related Experiment Videos
Enzyme-induced asparagine and glutamine depletion and immune system function
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|June 1, 1983
Summary
Glutamine depletion specifically suppresses the immune system, while asparagine depletion does not. Bacterial enzymes like asparaginase can be used to study amino acid effects on immunity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Nonessential amino acids play a role in immune system function.
- Bacterial enzymes can be used to selectively deplete amino acids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific effects of glutamine and asparagine depletion on the immune system.
- To determine if bacterial asparaginases can be used as tools for nutritional investigations.
Main Methods:
- Administration of native and polyethylene glycol-modified Escherichia coli asparaginase (depletes asparagine and glutamine) and Vibrio succinogenes asparaginase (depletes only asparagine) to mice.
- Assessment of immune system function following enzyme administration.
Main Results:
- Escherichia coli asparaginase administration resulted in rapid immunosuppression.
- Vibrio succinogenes asparaginase administration had no apparent effect on immune system function.
- Modification of enzymes with polyethylene glycol did not alter their effects on immune function.
Conclusions:
- Glutamine deficiency is specifically immunosuppressive.
- Asparagine deficiency is not immunosuppressive.
- Enzymatic depletion of nonessential amino acids is a valuable tool for nutritional research.