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. Materials and 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. Conclusion: These results suggest that allergy may be one of the contributing factors in the persistence of intractable OME. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.