Multiple bcl-2/Ig gene rearrangements in persistent polyclonal B-cell lymphocytosis.
Persistent polyclonal B-cell lymphocytosis is a benign lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown aetiology occurring exclusively in women, characterized by typical binucleated lymphocytes, polyclonal expansion of B cells and elevated serum IgM. Owing to the role of Bcl-2 oncogene in inhibition of apoptosis, we have investigated the presence of the bcl-2/Ig gene rearrangement. Bcl-2/Ig gene rearrangement was determined by polymerase chain reaction targeting the usual breakpoint regions of the t(14;18). Bcl-2/Ig gene rearrangement was identified in all six patients and, more importantly, multiple rearrangements were present in five patients. The frequency of the bcl-2/Ig gene rearrangement is estimated to be of one translocation in 1 x 10(2) to 1 x 10(3) peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We conclude that persistent polyclonal B-cell lymphocytosis is associated with bcl-2/Ig gene rearrangement. These findings are of clinical importance because these patients may be misdiagnosed as having a leukaemic expression of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Delage
R
R
Centre d'Hématologie et d'Immunologie Clinique, Hôpital du St-Sacrement, Laval University, Quebec, Ste-Foy, Canada.
Roy
J
J
Jacques
L
L
Bernier
V
V
Delâge
J M
JM
Darveau
A
A
D000328:Adult; D002883:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 14; D002887:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18; D005260:Female; D015322:Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte; D005803:Genes, Immunoglobulin / Q000235:genetics*; D019254:Genes, bcl-2 / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008218:Lymphocytosis / Q000235:genetics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014178:Translocation, Genetic