Mast Cell Tryptase

Alias/Synonym: Mast Cell Cytoplasm, MCT

CPT Code: 88342

Includes:

Specimen Type, Preferred:

Formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue

Specimen Type, Alternate:

Sample Quantity, Preferred:

1 block

2 slides

Sample Quantity, Minimum:

N/A

Transport Container:

Paraffin block

Unstained slides

Transport Temperature:

Room temperature

Collection Instructions:

Block and slide identifiers should be clearly written and match exactly with the specimen ID and specimen labeling as noted on the requisition.

Slides should be positively charged and cut at 3-4 microns for each stain/antibody ordered.

Specimen Stability:

N/A

Rejection Criteria:

No liquid specimens.

Uncharged slides

Clinical Significance:

Mast cells contain a number of preformed chemical mediators such as histamine, chymase, carboxypeptidase and proteolytic tryptase. A substantial quantity of tryptase is reported to be found in mast cells of skin and lung and suggests this enzyme plays a major role in mast cell mediated events. In vitro studies indicate tryptase can cleave C3 to form C3a anaphylatoxin, inactivate fibrinogen as a coaguable substrate for thrombin and activate latent collagenase. Models of allergenic disease in the skin, nose and lung have each indicated elevated tryptase levels. Human mast cell tryptase has been reported to be implicated as a mediator of inflammation. Mast cell degranulation in the gut causes mucus secretion, mucosal edema, increased gut permeability and may be responsible for some of the symptoms and signs of inflammatory bowel disease. Immunohistochemical analysis of tryptase may be useful for characterization of mast cell disease, as well as interstitial cystitis.

Limitations:

Turnaround Time:

1 day(s)

Reference Ranges:

N/A

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