[Studies of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and red cell immunity state in multiple myeloma].
OBJECTIVE
To explore factors in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM).


METHODS
The plasma level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) was measured by immunoassay in 21 MM patients, and red cell immunologic function was assayed in 16 patients.


RESULTS
There was no difference in TNF alpha levels among patients with either fulminant MM or stable MM and normal controls. The rosette formation rate of red cell C3 bR and red cell immune complex was significantly lower in MM patients than in the controls.


CONCLUSIONS
MM patients might have impaired monocyte-phagocyte system and red cell immune function.
Huang
Z
Z
Department of Hematology, Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020.
Chen
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000276:immunology; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D017463:Receptors, Complement 3b / Q000276:immunology*; D012397:Rosette Formation; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism*
D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D017463:Receptors, Complement 3b; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha