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A simple and sensitive method for determining plasma cell isotype and monoclonality in bone marrow using flowcytometry
Author(s) -
Zaanen H. C. T.,
Vet R. J. W. M.,
Jong C. M.,
Borne A. E. G. Kr.,
Oers M. H. J.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2141.1995.tb05244.x
Subject(s) - plasma cell , bone marrow , isotype , antibody , monoclonal antibody , multiple myeloma , monoclonal , polyclonal antibodies , plasma cell neoplasm , microbiology and biotechnology , immunofluorescence , pathology , chemistry , immunology , biology , medicine , plasmacytoma
Summary. In this paper we describe a new, rapid and sensitive method to determine plasma cell isotype and clonality in bone marrow using flowcytometry. With the use of a new fixation and permeabilization reagent (Permeafix®), which preserves cell structure and morphology, and a monoclonal antibody (Mab) specific for plasma cells (B‐B4), it has become possible to specifically select plasma cells and to determine the cytoplasmatic immunoglobulins by flowcytometry. Thirty successive bone marrow aspirates from multiple myeloma patients and patients with MGUS were studied as well as 10 bone marrow samples from patients with reactive plasmacytosis. Each sample was analysed both by immunofluorescence on cytospin smears and FACS analysis. There were no discrepancies between plasma cell isotype as determined by FACS and cytospin. Moreover, FACS analysis was shown to allow detection of very low numbers of plasma cells and to determine whether these plasma cells are mono‐or polyclonal. Possible applications are discussed.