Evidence for asparagusate and asparagusate dehydrogenase localized near the apices of asparagus shoots

A method was developed for high-speed liquid chromatographicdetermination of asparagusate in asparagus shoot. The in vivo concentration of asparagusate and the activitiesof asparagusate dehydrogenase and lipoyl dehydrogenase (EC 1.6.4.3 EC] )in etiolated and green shoots of asparagus (Asparagus officinalisL.) were measured. The region around the apices of the shootshad higher levels of asparagusate, asparagusate dehydrogenase,and lipoyl dehydrogenase than other regions. The level of asparagusatein the etiolated shoots was lower than that in the green shoots,whereas the levels of asparagusate dehydrogenase and lipoyldehydrogenase in the etiolated shoots were higher than thosein the green shoots. Asparagusate was localized in the solublefraction and asparagusate dehydrogenase and lipoyl dehydrogenaseactivities were localized in the mitochondrial fraction. Furthermore,asparagusate was found in all the various asparagus speciestested. (Received May 4, 1976; )