polyclonal gammopathy

polyclonal gammopathy.

See gammopathy.

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gammopathy

abnormal proliferation of the B lymphocytes resulting in abnormal levels of immunoglobulin production; the gammopathies include multiple myeloma, macroglobulinemia and Hodgkin's disease. Called also gammaglobulinopathy.

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monoclonal gammopathy

an increased production of one type of immunoglobulin by a single clone of cells. The abnormal protein produced is called paraprotein or M component and may be composed of whole immunoglobulin molecules or subunits, light-chains (Bence Jones proteins) or heavy-chains. Occurs in myelomas, lymphoproliferative neoplasms, and occasionally chronic inflammatory or immune-mediated diseases. Greatly elevated serum levels of protein may result in a hyperviscosity syndrome.

polyclonal gammopathy

a hypergammaglobulinemia resulting from an increased production of several different immunoglobulins and usually attributable to persistent, high level exposure to antigens; occur in a wide variety of infectious, inflammatory, and immune-mediated diseases. Examples in animals are feline infectious peritonitis, canine ehrlichiosis, Aleutian mink disease and equine infectious anemia.

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polyclonal

derived from different cells; pertaining to several clones.

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polyclonal antiserum

see polyclonal antibody.

polyclonal gammopathy

see polyclonal gammopathy.