Chemiluminescence response in normal human phagocytes. II. Effect of paraproteins.

We have used chemiluminescence (CL) as a model for assessing the effects of paraproteins on human neutrophils and monocytes. A difference in the response of these two cell types was demonstrated. Paraprotein-containing sera (classes IgG, IgA and IgM) depressed the CL response of monocytes in almost all cases but had no effect on neutrophils. This effect was reproduced using purified paraprotein and showed a dose dependent response. It is proposed that this difference may be a function of the interaction between paraprotein and differing membrane receptors in phagocytes.