asparaginase

1. An enzyme catalyzing the hydrolysis of l-asparagine to l-aspartic acid and ammonia. 2. The enzyme from Escherichia coli, used in the treatment of acute leukemia and other neoplastic diseases.

- Erwinia L-a. L-a. from Erwinia bacteria, used in patients who are allergic to Escherichia coli L-a.. SEE ALSO: a..

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as·pa·rag·i·nase .as-pə-'raj-ə-.nās, -.nāz n an enzyme that hydrolyzes asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia

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n.

an enzyme that inhibits the growth of certain tumours. Crisantaspase, the form produced by the bacterium Erwinia chrysanthemi, is used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Administered by injection, it may cause allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. Trade name: Erwinase.

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as·par·a·gin·ase (as-parґə-jin-ās″) [EC 3.5.1.1] 1. an enzyme of the hydrolase class that catalyzes the hydrolytic deamination of asparagine to form aspartate, a step in the degradation of asparagine. 2. a preparation of this enzyme isolated from Escherichia coli and used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, primarily in pediatric patients, to reduce availability of asparagine to tumor cells; administered intravenously or intramuscularly.