Monoclonal B Lymphocytes in Multiple Myeloma

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Abstract
Individual specific antisera were raised against the monoclonal serum component from 6 IgG myeloma patients. Idiotypic (Id) determinants were identified in direct or indirect immunofluorescence (IFL) on 0.5-44% B lymphocytes from 5 patients with active disease. Id determinants were not detected on B lymphocytes from 1 IgG-.kappa. myeloma patient with an imbalance in the expression of .gamma. heavy chains and .kappa. light chains. Id determinants were not detected on E [sheep erythrocyte] rosetting cells. Id structures were usually present with .gamma. chains on monoclonal B lymphocytes, some of which also carried .mu. and/or .delta. chains. Blood cells with lymphoplasmacytoid appearance were abundant in 2 patients. These cells carried IgG with Id determinants in the cytoplasm and on the surface. Fc receptors were present on most cells carrying surface Id structures but were rare on cells with cytoplasmic monoclonal characteristics. The hypothesis of multiple myeloma as a differentiating B lymphocyte tumor was supported.