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Markers of mast cell degranulation
1Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298, USA.
Methods (San Diego, Calif.)
|September 1, 1997
Summary
Mast cells release mediators like histamine and tryptase during allergic reactions. Specific tryptase forms (alpha-protryptase and beta-tryptase) serve as key indicators for mast cell activation and disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Mast cells are central to immediate hypersensitivity reactions.
- Activation triggers the release of preformed and newly synthesized mediators.
- Histamine and tryptase are key mediators and markers of mast cell activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of mast cell mediators as clinical indicators.
- To differentiate between markers for mast cell activation and total mast cell numbers.
- To establish the diagnostic utility of histamine and tryptase in mast cell-related diseases.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of histamine via fluorometric, radioenzymatic, and immunoassay techniques.
- Analysis of beta-tryptase released during degranulation.
- Quantification of alpha-protryptase, reflecting total mast cell load.
Main Results:
- Histamine detection in plasma and urine indicates in vivo release.
- Beta-tryptase levels are elevated in systemic anaphylaxis.
- Alpha-protryptase levels are elevated at baseline in systemic mastocytosis.
Conclusions:
- Histamine, beta-tryptase, and alpha-protryptase are precise clinical indicators.
- These markers help assess mast cell involvement in human diseases.
- Differential measurement aids in diagnosing conditions like anaphylaxis and mastocytosis.