Cryoglobulins, mixed

As to cryoglobulins, both type I (single component or 1 isotype or subclass of immunoglobulin, or, rarely, a monoclonal light chain) and type II (mixed cryoglobulins with monoclonal IgM as antibody and IgG as antigen) may be present. Nearly 10% of all WM molecules are cryoprecipitable (Kl). Infiltration of bone marrow by tumor cells can result in severe anemia. 

Steinmuller DR, Bolton WK, Stillman MM, Couser WG. Chronic interstitial nephritis and mixed cryoglobulin associated with drug abuse. Arch Pathol Lab Med 1979 103 63-66. 

It is therefore understandable why mixed cryoglobulins are reported in such a wide variety of diseases, such as those mentioned under aberrant immunity (6.12), e.g., S.L.E., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing... 

Cryoglobulins are special immunoglobulins that reversibly precipitate from serum at cold temperatures. Cryoglobulins can be classified as monoclonal globulins (type I), mix of polyclonal-monoclonal (type II), or mix of polyclonal-polyclonal (type III) immunoglobulins. Cryoglobulins can precipitate in different tissues of the body such as the kidney and the extremities. They are associated with several immune-type disorders, viral infection, glomerulonephritis, peripheral neuropathy, and diffuse vasculitis. 

Sene D, Ghillani-Dalbin P, Amoura Z, Musset L, Cacoub P. Rituximab may form a complex with IgMkappa mixed cryoglobulin and induce severe systemic reactions in... 

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