ANALYSIS OF IMMUNOGLOBULINS BY 2-DIMENSIONAL GEL-ELECTROPHORESIS

This paper reviews the indications and limitations of high-resolution two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) as an aid in the analysis of the clonality of immunoglobulins (Igs) with regard to ''standard'' techniques such as immunofixation electrophoresis. The 2D technique combines charge separation through isoelectric focusing and mass separation by sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE. Therefore, Ig heavy chains of different isotypes are separated from one another as well as from fight chains. The 2D patterns of polyclonal, oligoclonal and monoclonal Igs are presented. To illustrate the impact of the technique in a clinical environment, selected situations are presented. Finally, the implications of 2D-PAGE analysis regarding the comprehension of the immune humoral system are discussed.