[Determination of lymphocyte subpopulations in multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance].

By means of monoclonal antibodies, the lymphocyte subpopulation in 12 patients affected by multiple myeloma, 3 by Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, 7 by M.G.U.S. and 8 patients affected by accompanying monoclonal gammopathy have been determined. The group of patients affected by multiple myeloma or Waldenström's macroglobulinemia presented, against control, a significant reduction in the OK T3+ and OK T4+ cell percentage, with a remarkable reduction of the OK T4+/OK T8+ ratio. The OK T8+ cell average, if considered as an absolute value, was not modified in comparison to normal value, while the absolute number of OK T4+ cells was substantially reduced. No significant modifications have been ascertained in the percentage of SIg+ cells. The patients affected by M.G.U.S. did not present significant difference against controls, with regard to the lymphocyte number and the percentage of OK T3+ and OK T4+ cells. On the contrary, a significant increase of the percentage and absolute number of OK T8+ cells was observed. Also in these cases, a significant reduction of the OK T4+/OK T8+ ratio was observed. Finally, the patients affected by accompanying monoclonal gammopathy presented a significant reduction of OK T3+ and OK T8+ cells, with an increase of the percentage of OK T4+ cells and of the OK T4+/OK T8+ ratio.