Autoimmunity related to IgM monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. Peripheral neuropathy and connective tissue sensibilization caused by IgM M-proteins

Acta Med Scand. 1988;223(3):255-61.

Abstract

In eight of 10 consecutive cases of IgM monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), the M-protein had specificity towards various tissues as estimated by direct and indirect immunofluorescence studies of skin and/or sural nerve biopsies. Five of the cases had neuropathy. In three of them, including two siblings with a demyelinating peripheral neuropathy, the IgM was bound to the myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) of peripheral nerves. One had axonal neuropathy with IgM activity against the peri- and endoneurium, while another case with post-infectious neuritis had IgM activity against structures in the endoneurium but no IgM autoimmunity in the direct fluorescence test. The latter improved clinically in parallel with a decrease in the M-protein indicating a pathogenetic role of the autoantibody. In three other cases, the IgM was bound to connective tissue structures, two of them also had plasma antibodies against the peri- and endoneurium in the indirect fluorescence test. Finally, two cases showed no reaction of the M-protein against any tissue structures. Since an autoimmune pathogenesis is suspected, the HLA types of seven patients are reported.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / analysis*
  • Ataxia / immunology*
  • Autoantibodies / analysis*
  • Blood Proteins / immunology*
  • Blood Proteins / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypergammaglobulinemia / immunology*
  • Immunoglobulin M / immunology*
  • Immunoglobulins*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nervous System / immunology
  • Skin / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Autoantibodies
  • Blood Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Immunoglobulins
  • M-proteins (Myeloma)