Paraprotein

The paraproteins are protein bodies - mostly non-functional immunoglobulins (antibodies) or its individual components - in the blood or urine, which can be found in the electrophoresis. You can use a diagnostic indication of certain blood disorders such as multiple myeloma, lymphatic leukemia or other Monoclonal gammopathy deliver.

Pathology

For certain types of blood cancer such as multiple myeloma produce abnormal cells that divide monoclonal, mostly non-functional immunoglobulins or parts of these molecules. All antibodies, whether functional or non-functional, from protein molecules ( proteins ) are constructed. These run in the electrophoresis in the γ - fraction, which is why you can electrophoretically detect an increase in the area of ​​immunoglobulins ( so-called M- gradient) ( see Fig.)

Free light chain paraproteins are called Bence -Jones protein.

The tumor cell mass can can be estimated from the amount and type of detected paraproteins and make statements about the course of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.