Demonstration of changes in plasma cell subsets in multiple myeloma.
Increases in free light chain (FLC) production are associated with disease progression in multiple myeloma (MM). Using a double immunofluorescence staining method to produce a differential count of plasma cells in bone marrow, single populations were demonstrated, containing intact monoclonal immunoglobulins (M-Igs) in 74% and FLCs only in 8% of cases. However, 18% contained a mixture of both cell populations. Progression from cells making intact M-Ig to cells restricted to FLC only production occurred in individual cases during the course of their disease. The presence of FLC only cells was associated with shortened survival.
Ayliffe
Michael John
MJ
Department of Immunology, St Helier Hospital Wrythe Lane, Carshalton, Surrey, UK. michael.ayliffe@onetel.net
Davies
Faith Elizabeth
FE
de Castro
David
D
Morgan
Gareth John
GJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000473:pathology; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology; D002452:Cell Count; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / Q000032:analysis; D007147:Immunoglobulin Light Chains / Q000032:analysis; D007952:Leukemia, Plasma Cell / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000473:pathology*; D009194:Myeloma Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D010265:Paraproteinemias / Q000473:pathology; D010950:Plasma Cells / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification*; D010954:Plasmacytoma / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D008258:Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / Q000473:pathology
D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains; D007147:Immunoglobulin Light Chains; D009194:Myeloma Proteins