Spontaneous and pokeweed mitogen induced production of rheumatoid factor and immunoglobulins in type II essential mixed cryoglobulinaemia. Issue 7 (July 1986)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sinico, R A; Fiorini, G; Fornasieri, A; Bernasconi, P; Benuzzi, S; Paracchini, M L; D'Amico, G
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 45:Issue 7(1986)
• Page Start: 591
• Page End: 595
• Publication Date: 1986-07
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/ard.45.7.591
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : In order to evaluate functional lymphocyte defects in type II essential mixed cryoglobulinaemia (EMC) in vitro production of immunoglobulins (Ig) and rheumatoid factor (RF) has been studied in basal conditions and under pokeweed mitogen (PWM) stimulation in 15 patients and in 17 control subjects. The major finding was a significantly high basal and inducible production of RF by EMC lymphocytes as compared with the RF production in controls, while synthesis of polyclonal Ig was unaffected. A good correlation existed between in vitro production and serum levels of RF. Peripheral blood SmIg+ and Ia+ cells were also significantly increased. The possibility that EMC shares some pathogenetic mechanism with rheumatoid arthritis on the one hand and with lymphoproliferative diseases on the other is considered.