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Effect of L-Asparaginase on Germinal Centre Haemolysin

Abstract

THE immunosuppressive effects of L-asparaginase show an unusual time-dependence. In mice immunized with sheep red cells, asparaginase strongly inhibited the development of haemolytic plaque-forming cells in the spleen if given at any time from 24 h before to 3 h after administration of antigen; administration earlier or later was less effective, and even massive doses (5,000 IU/mouse or 250,000 IU/kg) had no significant effect if given 2 days after the antigen1. These experiments suggested, therefore, that asparaginase did not exert its immunosuppressive effects by interfering with the rapid proliferation of immunocytes which is at its peak 2–3 days after the administration of antigen.

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References

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BERENBAUM, M., BONDURANT, S. Effect of L-Asparaginase on Germinal Centre Haemolysin. Nature 231, 318–319 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1038/231318a0

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