B-cell acute lymphatic leukaemia: immunoglobulin synthesis, morphology and clinical features

A detailed case study of a B cell acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) is described. Ultrastructurally the neoplastic cells resembled other cases of ALL studied. The majority of the neoplastic cells had detectable surface IgGlambda and receptors for Fcgamma while a majority of the cells had receptors for the C3 component of complement. Neoplastic cell preparations were able to synthesize IgGlambda with a surplus of free lambda chains. This case did not respond to treatment, and death ensued within 36 h of presentation. The clinical and laboratory findings are discussed with respect to other cases of ALL.