paraprotein


paraprotein

 [par″ah-pro´tēn] a normal or abnormal plasma protein appearing in large quantities as a result of some pathologic condition, now replaced in most contexts by the term m component.

par·a·pro·tein

(par'ă-prō'tēn), 1. A monoclonal immunoglobulin of blood plasma, observed electrophoretically as an intense band in γ, β, or α regions, due to an isolated increase in a single immunoglobulin type as a result of a clone of plasma cells arising from the abnormal rapid multiplication of a single cell. The finding of a paraprotein in a patient's serum indicates the presence of a proliferating clone of immunoglobulin-producing cells and may be seen in a variety of malignant, benign, or nonneoplastic diseases. 2. Synonym(s): monoclonal immunoglobulin [para + protein, fr. G. protos, first]

M spike

A term of art referring to a zone of increased concentration of a monoclonal immunoglobulin when seen by serum electrophoresis.

par·a·pro·tein

(par'ă-prō'tēn) 1. A monoclonal immunoglobulin of the blood plasma, produced by a clone of plasma cells arising from the abnormal rapid multiplication of a single cell. Paraprotein in serum may be seen in various malignant, benign, or nonneoplastic diseases. 2. Synonym(s): monoclonal immunoglobulin. [para + protein, fr. G. protos, first]

paraprotein

An abnormal plasma protein such as the MONOCLONAL immunoglobulin in MYELOMATOSIS.

Paraprotein

M-protein; abnormal immunoglobulin produced in multiple myeloma.Mentioned in: Multiple Myeloma