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Is mast cell activation during asthmatic reaction reflected in the circulation?
W Medrala1, J Małolepszy, A Wolańczyk-Medrala
1Department of Internal Medicine and Allergology, Medical University, Wrocław, Poland.
Journal of Investigational Allergology & Clinical Immunology
|November 1, 1995
Summary
In allergic asthma, neutrophil chemotactic activity increased during early asthmatic reactions, but serum tryptase concentration did not. This suggests mast cell activation in allergic reactions is not reliably reflected in blood tests.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Allergic asthma involves early asthmatic reactions (EAR) triggered by allergens.
- Mast cell activation is implicated in EAR pathogenesis.
- Serum tryptase concentration (STC) and neutrophil chemotactic activity (NCA) are potential markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between STC, NCA, and mast cell activation during allergen-induced EAR.
- To determine the reliability of STC and NCA as indicators of mast cell degranulation in EAR.
Main Methods:
- Allergic asthmatic patients were challenged with specific allergens.
- Blood samples were collected to measure STC and NCA before and during EAR.
- Changes in STC and NCA levels were analyzed in relation to the asthmatic reaction.
Main Results:
- Neutrophil chemotactic activity (NCA) significantly increased at 60 minutes during EAR.
- Serum tryptase concentration (STC) did not show a significant increase during the observed EAR.
- The rise in NCA confirmed previous findings but is not a specific marker for mast cell activation.
Conclusions:
- Mast cell activation during allergen-induced EAR may not be adequately represented by circulating markers like STC.
- Elevated NCA during EAR suggests inflammatory cell involvement but doesn't solely indicate mast cell degranulation.
- Massive mast cell degranulation might be required for detectable changes in circulating STC.