In serum protein electrophoresis, chronic inflammation typically appears as what type of immunoglobulin pattern?

Chronic inflammation is characterized by an increase in the synthesis of various immunoglobulins by plasma cells in response to ongoing stimuli such as infection, autoimmune conditions, or chronic disease. In serum protein electrophoresis, this results in a polychromic pattern, typically referred to as polyclonal gammopathy.

Polyclonal gammopathy indicates the presence of a diverse array of antibodies, reflecting the activation of multiple B cell lineages. Each lineage produces its own unique immunoglobulin, leading to an overall increase in immunoglobulin levels, which results in broadening of the gamma region on the electrophoresis gel. This is seen in conditions like chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, and liver diseases, where the immune response is ongoing and diverse.

In contrast, conditions like monoclonal gammopathy result from a single clone of B cells producing a homogeneous immunoglobulin, which would be indicated by a distinct band on the electrophoresis, rather than the broadening seen in polyclonal responses. Oligoclonal bands are typically associated with certain neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis and indicate a limited number of B cell clones. Hypogammaglobulinemia reflects decreased levels of immunoglobulins, which is not characteristic of