title: Immunocytochemical studies of human myeloma cells by light and electron microscopy.
abstract: Demonstration of atypical plasma cells in bone marrow and extramedullary sites is the conventional cytological criterion for the diagnosis of human myeloma and assessment of its development. By immunocytochemical methods, it is possible to demonstrate in the blood of myeloma patients the occurrence of mononuclear cells, which manufacture and express idiotypic determinants (Id+) of the patient's own myeloma protein. These circulating Id+ cells have a polymorphic ultrastructure ranging from that of atypical lymphocytes to lymphoblastic-lymphoplasmacytoid and plasmacytoid cells. Our observations in several patients indicate that monitoring the blood levels of Id+ and Ig+ cells is a sensitive probe for following the development of the disease.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes / Q000032:analysis*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D009194:Myeloma Proteins / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D009194:Myeloma Proteins