Mast Cell Mediators of Significance in Clinical Practice in Mastocytosis

Mast cells leave evidence, a “fingerprint,” of their participation in acute and chronic clinical events. That fingerprint is an elevation, either chronic or acute, in levels of their secreted mediators or their metabolites. Of these, only serum tryptase is currently one of the diagnostic criteria for systemic mastocytosis or mast cell activation. Combinations of easily obtained and quantified urinary mast cell mediator metabolite levels correlate well with bone marrow findings of systemic mastocytosis. By inhibiting synthesis of or blockading receptors to the elevated mast cell mediator, relief of clinical symptoms can often be achieved.