L-Glutaminase activity in lymphocytes of patients with chronic lymphatic leukemia

Abstract

Endogenous l-glutaminase and l-asparaginase were determined in extracts from leukocytes of patients with chronic lymphatic and chronic myeloid leukemia and from normal volunteers. l-Glutaminase was found only in extracts of lymphocytes from chronic lymphatic leukemia, the mean activity being 5.10 −2 I.U./mg protein. In these cells no l-asparaginase activity was found. In contrast, in all other preparations studies, a low but significant level of l-asparaginase was detectable. It is concluded that l-glutaminase is specific for lymphocytes in chronic lymphatic leukemia.