tryptase

Last reviewed 01/2018

Tryptase is the predominant protein in mast cell granules and cleaves proteins at arginine and lysine residues.

• stored and released from mast cell granules upon activation
• mast cells are found in many tissues but are present in greater numbers along epithelial linings of the body, such as the skin, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract, as well as the perivascular tissue surrounding blood vessels
  • involved in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological states, including immediate hypersensitivity, delayed-type hypersensitivity, cell growth regulation, defense against neoplasia, and pain and itch sensation
• elevated levels of serum tryptase occur in both anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions
  • however a negative test does not exclude anaphylaxis