Bence Jones protein


Bence Jones protein

An abnormal 22–24-kD monoclonal of light-chain—usually kappa, less commonly, lambda—immunoglobulin derived from the clonal expansion(s) of plasma cells, which is found in the urine of 50–80% of patients with multiple myeloma and Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. Bence-Jones protein is small enough to be excreted by the kidney.
Specimen
24-hour urine.
 
Comments
False-positive results can occur in connective tissue disease, renal insufficiency and in other malignancies. Immunofixation electrophoresis—or more recently, serum-free light-chain assay—is the preferred method for detecting BJPs. The heat detection method—Bence Jones reaction (see there)—has fallen into disuse.

Bence Jones protein

An abnormal dimer of light-chain Ig derived from the clonal expansion of plasma cells, found in the urine of 50-80% of Pts with myeloma and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia; these proteins are small enough to be excreted by the kidney

Bence Jones protein

A MONOCLONAL immunoglobulin formed in excess by B lymphocytes and found in the serum and urine in cases of MYELOMATOSIS. (Henry Bence Jones, 1818–1873, English physician).

Bence Jones protein

Small protein, composed of a light chain of immunoglobulin, made by plasma cells.Mentioned in: Bence Jones Protein Test