Detection of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in human bone marrow myeloma cells by light and electron microscopy

Abstract

We used an Avidin-Biotin peroxidase complex (ABC) immunoperoxidase technique to evaluate the localization of IL-6 of human bone marrow cells in multiple myeloma (MM). The cellular distribution of IL-6 was determined at light and electron microscopic levels. The author's study indicated that cytoplasmic IL-6 was detected only in the myeloma cells of bone marrow cells. Immunoelectron microscopic (immuno-EM) study showed positive reactivity mainly in the perinuclear space (PNS), well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), and Golgi area.

Interleukin‐6 is expressed by plasma cells from patients with multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance

“…Since the same proportions of cells expressed both the IL‐6 mRNA and protein, these observations support the suggestion that malignant plasma cells are an important source of IL‐6 in vivo . Immunolocalization of IL‐6 protein has also been observed by Ohtake et al (1990 ) in plasma cells from three patients with MM using an avidin/biotin immunoperoxidase technique. However, myeloma cells were identified on the basis of morphology alone and no specific markers were used.…”

Interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and its receptor: Their role in plasma cell neoplasias

“…Freeman et al demonstrated that four of four myelomas and plasma cell leukemias expressed IL-6 mRNA [79]. Cytoplasmic IL-6 was detected in myeloma cells of the bone marrow by light and electron microscopy [80]. It was reported that the growth-inducing activity of IL-1 or TNF on freshly isolated myeloma cells could be due to an IL-6-mediated autocrine mechanism, because anti-IL-6 antibody completely inhibited IL-1-induced myeloma growth [81].…”