Expression of mast cell tryptase in pediatric otitis media with effusion.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the possible relationship between allergy and otitis media with effusion (OME), we investigated the presence and level of tryptase, which reflect mast cell activity.


METHODS
Twenty-five children with intractable OME were studied. Thirteen patients were confirmed allergy positive by multiallergosorbent test. Twelve patients were allergy negative. Evidence for mast cell tryptase presence and degree of activation in the middle ear effusion (MEE) were measured by using Western blotting and radioimmunoassay (RIA).


RESULTS
The typical single band of 32 kDa tryptase was found in the MEE. And it was more strongly expressed in the MEE with allergy positive than negative. RIA demonstrated that mean tryptase level was significantly higher in the MEE with allergy positive than negative.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that allergy may be one of the contributing factors in the persistence of intractable OME.
Jang
Chul Ho
CH
Department of Otolaryngology, Wonkwang University Hospital, Wonkwang Medical School, 570-711 Iksan, South Korea. chul@wonkwang.ac.kr
Jung
Jae Kwon
JK
D015153:Blotting, Western; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000378:metabolism; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000201:enzymology*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000276:immunology; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D053802:Tryptases
D012697:Serine Endopeptidases; D053802:Tryptases