Anit-immunoglobulins in multiple myeloma.

  • 1 May 1972
    • journal article
    • Vol. 11  (1) , 57-65
Abstract
Human myeloma cells isolated from bone marrow aspirates by sucrose density gradients and cultured in vitro were shown to undergo proliferation and increased DNA synthesis upon incubation with anti-immunoglobulin (anti-Ig) antisera directed against the immunoglobulin that these cells carry or secrete. A circulating anti-Ig could be detected in the sera of the majority of these patients. In a γ-globulin-free medium, the isolated anti-Ig could stimulate the patient's own plasma cells to undergo proliferation in vitro. The possible role of circulating anti-Ig in the in vivo continued proliferation of a specific clone of bone marrow cells is discussed.