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Vacuolated plasma cells in multiple myeloma.
The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine
|April 1, 1986
Summary
Myeloma cells show prominent vacuoles linked to acid phosphatase activity. Remission reduces these vacuoles and enzyme activity, suggesting Bence Jones proteins may cause cell damage.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells.
- Understanding cellular changes in myeloma is crucial for treatment.
- Lysosomal enzyme activity can indicate cellular stress.
Observation:
- Myeloma cells exhibited significant vacuolation.
- Acid phosphatase (AP) reaction products were localized within and around these vacuoles.
- Vacuoles were characterized as autophagic.
Findings:
- A high initial AP score (3.86) decreased to 1.32 during remission.
- The percentage of AP-positive cells reduced from 100% pre-induction to 72% in remission.
- Reduced vacuolation was observed in myeloma cells during remission.
Implications:
- Intracellular Bence Jones proteins may be toxic, inducing vacuolation.
- Activation of lysosomal enzymes is associated with myeloma cell stress.
- Monitoring AP activity and vacuolation could serve as a biomarker for myeloma progression and treatment response.