What type of immunoglobulin pattern is observed in acute inflammation according to serum protein electrophoresis?

In acute inflammation, the typical immunoglobulin pattern observed in serum protein electrophoresis is characterized by polyclonal gammopathy. During acute inflammatory responses, the immune system becomes activated, leading to an increase in the production of various immunoglobulins by multiple clones of B-lymphocytes. This results in a broad-based increase in gamma globulins on electrophoresis, which reflects the diverse response necessary to address various pathogens or injury.

A monoclonal immune response, on the other hand, would suggest a neoplastic process (such as multiple myeloma) where a single clone of plasma cells produces a large amount of one specific immunoglobulin type. Normal immunoglobulin levels indicate no significant immune response, which would not be the case during acute inflammation. Hypogammaglobulinemia reflects a decrease in immunoglobulin levels, which can result from various immunodeficiencies or conditions that affect antibody production and would not be associated with acute inflammatory processes. Thus, polyclonal gammopathy is the hallmark pattern indicating a robust and diverse immune response during acute inflammation.