Detection of intracytoplasmic cytokine using flow cytometry: an insight into allergic evaluation.

The physiopathology of the IgE-dependent allergic reaction is becoming bett er understood Innovative techniques such as intracytoplasmic cytokine detec tion via flow cytometry have been helpful in this regard, and underline the role of the TH2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, lL-13) in the development of the inflammatory response. The aim of this report was to provide an accura te assessment aimed at optimizing intracellular cytokine detection. The tec hnique is based on the electronic selection of cell populations within a to tal cell fraction, multiparametric analysis, specificity, sensitivity and r eproducibility of the method. Intracytoplasmic detection of cytokine via fl ow cytometry should be extensively used in the future, and in the present s tudy potential methods of clinical investigation have been examined. (C) 20 00 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.