A calcium-dependent cryoglobulin IgM kappa/polyclonal IgG.

The mechanisms responsible for cold-induced precipitation of mixed cryoglobulins are not well understood. A mixed cryoglobulin IgM kappa/IgG (type II) of a patient with Sjögren's syndrome was studied because of its unique properties. This cryoglobulin precipitated in serum but not in serum containing 10 mM EDTA. The cryoprecipitation was shown to require calcium (Ca) and was optimal at 1 mM of free Ca. Cryoprecipitation was also induced by Ba, Mn, and Sr, but not by Mg and Co. Purified IgM kappa/IgG complexes precipitated in the presence of Ca, but not IgM kappa alone. There was no significant binding of 45Ca to the purified IgM kappa, IgM kappa/IgG complexes formed with purified components, and the cryoprecipitate. The relative affinity of the radiolabeled [125I]IgM kappa for IgG was 3.6 x 10(3) liters/mol at 37 degrees C as assessed by sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation, and increased to 1.7 x 10(4) liters/mol at 4 degrees C. The addition of Ca produced no change in the affinity at 37 degrees C and 4 degrees C. The absence of a direct effect of Ca on the Ag/antibody reaction was confirmed in experiments using polyethylene glycol as precipitating agent. In conclusion, two independent steps were responsible for the precipitation of this cryoglobulin. The first step was an efficient formation of soluble immune complexes as produced by a drop in temperature. The second step was caused by a change in the physicochemical conditions--the presence of Ca--which induced polymerization of the IgM kappa/IgG complexes.