L-aspartate aminotransferase and L-asparaginase in rat lymph node: a histoenzymological and immunohistochemical study

L-asparaginase and L-aspartate aminotransferase are both involved in the synthesis of L-aspartic acid. It has been observed that L-asparaginase is involved in the immunosuppressor morphine-dependent syndrome in lymphoid cells whereas L-aspartic acid blocks the development of this syndrome. The aim of the present study was to clarify the localization of L-AATase activity and L-asparaginase in rat lymph nodes using histoenzymological and immunohistochemical methods, respectively. No positive reaction was demonstrated for L-AATase while L-asparaginase shown to be present in lymphocytes and lymphoblastic cells. These observations lead us to suggest that L-asparaginase is the enzyme mainly responsible for the synthesis of the L-aspartic acid necessary for satisfying the living requirements of lymphoid cells. Therapeutically administered L-asparaginase could exert its action intracellularly after crossing the cell membrane.