Background Hyperglobulinemia is reported in 26% of canine chronic B‐cell lymphocytic leukemia (B‐CLL) cases. However, few cases have been characterized by protein electrophoresis and immunofixation (IF), and the incidence of a monoclonal protein (M‐protein) is unknown using these techniques. Objective To characterize and determine the proportion of canine B‐CLL cases with an M‐protein using plasma protein electrophoresis (PPE), routine and free light chain (fLC) IF, and to assess if productive B‐CLL cases express MUM1/IRF4 by cell tube block (CTB). Methods PPE, routine (targeting IgG, IgA, IgM, IgG4, and light chain) and fLC IF were performed using 48 dog B‐CLL plasma samples from patients diagnosed via peripheral blood flow cytometry. CTB was performed on a separate cohort of 15 patients. Results Hyperproteinemia (>7.5 g/dL) was present in 17/48 cases (35%). An M‐protein was detected in 32/48 cases (67%). Of these, 19/32 cases (59%) had only complete (monoclonal heavy and light chain) M‐proteins detected, 10/32 cases (31%) had both complete and fLC M‐proteins detected, and 3/32 cases (9%) had only an fLC M‐protein detected. IgM was the most common clonal immunoglobulin isotype detected (23 cases). CD21+ cell counts were higher in cases with detectable M‐protein. Plasma fLC IF suggested β‐γ region interference, likely caused by clotting proteins. All B‐CLL cases consistently expressed PAX5 and did not express MUM1/IRF4. Conclusions Most B‐CLL cases had an M‐protein and were not hyperproteinemic. Most cases with paraproteins had a complete IgM monoclonal gammopathy; a subset had documented fLCs. The prognostic significance of heavy and fLC presence should be evaluated.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.