L-Asparaginase in Experimental Auto-Immune Disease: Inhibition of Allergic Encephalomyelitis

Abstract

EAE was induced in Lewis rats by intracutaneous injections of guinea pig spinal cord in Freund's adjuvant. Clinical or histologic evidence of EAE developed in all the control rats. The experimental animals were treated with L-asparaginase in varying doses. The enzyme was given intraperitoneally starting on the day of inoculation and was continued for 28 days. Doses of 2500 IU/kg/day or higher inhibited EAE in all the animals. EAE did not develop in a group of treated animals during 6 weeks after the cessation of therapy. L-Asparaginase didnot produce myelo-suppression or an anti-inflammatory effect. It is suggested that L-asparaginase may prove to be useful in the management of auto-immune disease in man.