ROLE OF TRYPTASE, EOSINOPHIL CATIONIC PROTEIN AND HISTAMINE IN IMMEDIATE ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO DRUGS

20 subjects (8 men, 12 women) with anaphylactic or urticarial reaction s after drug intake were evaluated. Tryptase (TRY) and eosinophil cati onic protein (ECP) were determined in serum 2 and 24 h after the aller gic episode. Histamine was determined in three sequential urine sample s. Results indicated that in the group of subjects evaluated, TRY and histamine were elevated, although in not all cases for both markers. W ith ECP, no clear association was found either at 2 or 24 h after the allergic episode. These results suggested that mast cells participated in the adverse reactions, but a role for eosinophils could not be est ablished. Further studies need to be undertaken to establish the parti cipation of these cells in immediate reactions to drugs.