Paraprotein

Paraprotein is a product of a pathological clone of plasma cells, which arise during monoclonal gammopathy (plasmacytoma, amyloidosis). It is a monoclonal protein, i.e. electroforetically and immunologically homogeneous. It consists of 2 light and 2 heavy polyprotein immunoglobulin chains.

Clinical picture
Paraprotein, especially light chains (mostly λ chains), is excreted by the kidneys. They cause atrophy and degeneration of the tubules, which are a part of a complex kidney damage called the myeloma kidney. Dehydration, hypercalcemia a 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 hyperviskosity syndrome.

Related articles

 * Paraproteinemia
 * Multiple myeloma
 * Amyloidosis
 * Bence Jones protein