Pathophysiology of the Monoclonal Gammopathies

Abstract

“Monoclonal gammopathy” is a term suggested by Waldenstrom as a clinical extension of Burnet's clonal theory. It refers to a group of proliferative disorders of the lymphoplasmacytic cell line, which is the conglomerate of the “immunocompetent cells” assumed to be responsible for preserving immunologic defense mechanisms. Excessive amounts of protein (immunoglobulins or their components) are synthesized by the lymphoplasmacytic cells.