LIGHT AND ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC IMMUNOLOCALIZATION OF L-ASPARAGINASE IN THE RAT CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM

The investigation on the localization of L-asparaginase, the enzyme in volved in the synthesis of L-aspartic acid, has been carried out using the immunohistochemical method. Antibodies against this enzyme were o btained immunizing BALB/c mice with purified Escherichia coli L-aspara ginase. Light microscopic observation revealed positive immunoreactivi ty in the great majority of neurons and glial cells, and electron micr oscopic analysis demonstrated immunological localization of the enzyme in the cytosol. The ubiquitous distribution of L-asparaginase suggest s its involvement in many important functions of the central nervous s ystem.