Effect of asparaginase on cell membranes of sensitive and resistant mouse lymphoma cells.

High concentrations of Escherichia coli asparaginase (80 U/ml) altered the binding of concanavalin A (Con A) to L 5178Y murine lymphoma cells that are sensitive to the cytotoxic action of this enzyme. Incubation of the asparaginase sensitive line in asparagine-free media or media containing Acinetobacter glutaminase-asparaginase did not alter the Con A binding of these cells. Escherichia coli asparaginase had no effect on Con A binding of two asparaginase resistant L5178Y cell lines that were isolated and maintained in asparagine depleted or asparaginase containing medium. The E. coli asparaginase preparation inhibited protein and glycoprotein biosynthesis to comparable degrees. It did not have proteolytic or glycolytic activity. Escherichia coli asparaginase did not alter the binding of wheat germ, soybean or ricin agglutinins to any of these cell lines. These data suggest that high concentrations of E. coli asparaginase have a specific effect on the Con A receptor in the sensitive line.