Analysis of clonality in T-lymphoproliferative diseases by multiplex PCR.
Distinction between benign and malignant T-cell lymphoproliferative diseases can be difficult using morphological criteria. Using multiplex polymerase chain reaction system we have tested a series of patients with various lymphoproliferative disorders to detect clonal T-lymphocyte populations. Results show that clonal amplification products were obtained from all 10 patients with T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders while the amplification of DNA samples from B-cell neoplasms and normal individuals revealed polyclonal amplification products. By splitting the multiplex primer mix, the patient specific T-cell receptor gamma rearrangement was determined: five out of ten patients showed the exclusive presence of a single T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement. Three patients exhibited two rearranged T-cell receptor gamma genes, while in two patients positive reactions were obtained with three pairs of primers for variable and joining segments. Molecular analysis of rearranged T-cell receptor genes by multiplex polymerase chain reaction represents a useful and rapid tool for confirming diagnosis, to determine the extent of disease and to monitor the response to therapy.
Zadro
R
R
Clinical Institute of Laboratory Diagnosis, Zagreb University School of Medicine and Clinical Hospital Center, Croatia.
Sucić
M
M
Aurer
I
I
Metelko-Kovacević
J
J
Labar
B
B
Rukavina
A S
AS
D015329:Gene Rearrangement, T-Lymphocyte; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*