Expression Of Tryptase In Acute Leukemia Cells

Objective: Tryptase is specific for mast cell. However, recent studies have shown that anumber of myeloid leukemia cell lines also express substantial amounts of tryptases. Inthis study, in order to investigate the function of tryptase on the mechanism of acuteleukemia, tryptase expressed by leukemic cells were determined in 61 patients withacute leukemias.Method: Immunocytochemistry was performed on bone marrow mononuclear cells(MNCs) from 61 patients with acute leukemias by using the anti-tryptase mAbs andanti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ) mAbs. The results were analyzedstatistically by SPSS soft ware.Results: Tryptase reactive material was present in myeloblasts in 15 patients (Ml=l,M2=7, M3=5, M5=2), the positive ratio is 24.6%. The positive ratio of VEGF is 72%.The amount of myeloblasts with tryptase expression had no correlation with patients'age, WBC quantity, number of myeloblasts and amount of myeloblasts with VEGFexpression.Conclusion: Tryptase appears to be a myeloid-specific marker in acute leukemias. It isalso an independent prognostic marker for acute leukemias. The expression of tryptasehas no relationship with VEGF in the angiogenesis of acute leukemia.