Monoclonal and oligoclonal immunoglobulins in the serum of patients with B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract

The incidence of monoclonal and oligoclonal immunoglobulins (paraproteins) was determined in serum samples of 45 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) patients using the high-resolution agarose gel electrophoresis technique combined with immunofixation. Paraproteins were identified in 25 of the 45 patients tested. Twelve paraproteins were monoclonal and 13 oligoclonal. IgG kappa and/or lambda immunoglobulin isotypes were found in 17/25 of these patients. No correlation of the lymphocyte cell morphology and the presence of paraproteins was demonstrated. The high frequency of serum oligoclonal immunoglobulins in B-CLL indicates that more than one lymphocyte clone may be present in this disease.