Paraprotein

Paraproteins are immunoglobulins (or their fragments) secreted by pathological clones of plasma cells, which arise during monoclonal gammopathy (plasmacytoma, amyloidosis). Since these proteins are monoclonal (secreted from a single lineage of plasma cells), they are immunologically homogeneous and form one band during electrophoresis. Their structure consists of 2 light and 2 heavy polyprotein immunoglobulin chains.

Clinical picture
Paraproteins and especially their light chains (mostly λ chains) are excreted by the kidneys. They cause atrophy and degeneration of the tubules, contributing to the clinical manifestation of “myeloma kidney”. Dehydration, hypercalcemia, and hyperuricemia accelerate the renal failure.

High production of paraprotein (especially IgA) leads to the formation of high molecular weight complexes, which increase blood viscosity and promote the development of hyperviscosity syndrome.

Related articles

 * Paraproteinemia
 * Multiple myeloma
 * Amyloidosis
 * Bence-Jones protein