The immunoglobulin nature of Russell bodies

Abstract

Although Russell bodies have been widely regarded as aggregates of immunoglobulin (Ig) their true nature remains controversial. This report reinvestigates the Ig reactivity of Russell bodies using an immunoperoxidase technique to detect IgG, IgA, IgM, kappa and lambda light chains and J chain on formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue. Both intracellular and extracellular Russell bodies stained for Ig heavy and light chain determinants. Generally staining was most intense at the surface of these structures although many appeared to have detectable Ig determinants within the Russell body cores. The results suggest that Russell bodies, irrespective of size or site, are associated with intact Ig molecules.