Tryptase, Serum

Tryptase is a tetrameric serine proteinase that constitutes approximately 20% of the total protein within human mast cells. It is stored in the secretory granules in a catalytically active form and is secreted along with histamine, heparin, and other mast cell granule products on mast cell de-granulation. Because it is stored almost exclusively in mast cells, it is used as a marker for mast cells and for mast cell activation. Evidence is emerging that this major secretory product of the human mast cell may be a key mediator of allergic inflammation and a promising target for therapeutic intervention.

Relatively high concentrations of tryptase have been detected in cases of systemic anaphylaxis in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with bronchial asthma and interstitial lung disease, in nasal lavage fluid of patients with allergic rhinitis, blister fluid from subjects with allergic contact dermatitis and in synovial fluid from patients with arthritis.

2 ml Serum Room Temperature

Reference Range: <11.4 μg/L