Synthesis of immunoglobulins by biopsied tissues and cell lines from Burkitt's lymphoma.

Cell suspensions of Burkitt's lymphomas and cell lines derived from the same tumours were compared for immunoglobulin synthesis by analysis of the culture fluid. Thirty-one out of fifty tumour cell suspensions (i.e. twenty-one out of thirty-five patients) synthesized IgG (γ-chains) with type κ and/or type λ light chains; IgM synthesis was found in only five cases. Of the Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines, twelve out of nineteen synthesized IgG (γ-chains); type κ light chains were produced by ten of these cell lines and type λ light chains by three. Only three cell lines synthesized μ chains. IgA synthesis was not detected in any of the biopsied tissues or cell lines. Comparison of the immunoglobulin synthesis by the cells of the biopsied tissue and the derived cell line showed very good agreement. This leads to the conclusion that the pattern of immunoglobulins synthesized by Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines is representative of the original tumour. Investigation of cells from repeat biopsies, and serial testing of the derived cell lines showed that the capacity to synthesize particular immunoglobulins and chains remained constant. The fact that many of the biopsied tumour tissues and cell lines synthesized more than one immunoglobulin, or different classes of heavy chains and types of light chains, raises the question whether these immunoglobulin-producing cells originate from one or more cells.