Serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein in allergic diseases and natural allergen exposure

Abstract BACKGROUND: Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a cytotoxic preformed mediator stored in eosinophil granules and released under various in vitro and in vivo conditions. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to evaluate the clinical value of ECP as a marker of allergic inflammation. METHODS: ECP was measured by a competitive radioimmunoassay in serum samples from 265 patients and 45 matched control subjects and related to the type of allergic disease (asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis) and to the type of allergic sensitization. RESULTS: All the patient groups studied showed significantly higher levels of serum ECP than control groups ( p p CONCLUSIONS: Results obtained indicate that persistent natural exposure to a sensitizing allergen is responsible for a measurable increase in serum ECP levels in patients with allergy. (J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL 1996;97:1350-5.)