Low molecular weight IgM and CD5 B lymphocytes in rheumatoid arthritis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of low molecular weight (LMW) IgM and CD5 B cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to explore the possibility that LMW IgM is derived selectively from this subset of B cells.


METHODS
LMW IgM in sera and culture supernatants was detected by a sensitive immunoblot technique with an enhanced chemiluminescence detection system. CD5 B cells were determined by FACScan cytometry. In vitro studies were established in culture plates containing pokeweed mitogen with or without 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME). Supernatants were obtained from CD5 positive hybridomas and CD5 negative hybridomas. Other immunological indices were measured by laser nephelometry.


RESULTS
Circulating LMW IgM was detected in all rheumatoid patients with significantly higher levels being observed in sero-positive patients. LMW IgM correlated significantly with total IgM and RF. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from the majority of the patients with RA secreted LMW IgM in vitro as did mononuclear cells from a synovial fluid sample. The addition of low concentrations of 2-ME to the culture medium enhanced the proportions of secreted monomeric IgM. In contrast, PBMC from healthy subjects secreted only trace quantities of LMW IgM. In RA no significant correlations were observed between CD5 B cells and LMW IgM and RF. LMW IgM could be detected in the supernatants from both CD5+ and CD5- B cell lines. Finally, CD5 B cells were not significantly elevated in RA and levels remained constant over time.


CONCLUSIONS
LMW IgM exists in high concentrations in RA sera and synovial fluid. Serum level correlates with RF and IgM. In vitro studies have suggested that the occurrence of LMW IgM may be due to an intrinsic defect(s) in the assembly of the IgM pentameric molecule. LMW IgM is unlikely to be derived solely from CD5 B cells.
Xu
H
H
Department of Clinical Immunology, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park.
Geddes
R
R
Roberts-Thomson
P J
PJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000276:immunology*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D018956:CD5 Antigens; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006825:Hybridomas / Q000276:immunology; D015151:Immunoblotting; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008970:Molecular Weight; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000276:immunology
D015703:Antigens, CD; D018956:CD5 Antigens; D007075:Immunoglobulin M