Abstract
The levels of histamine, peptide leukotriene (leukotriene) and tryptase in tear fluid were periodically measured by an ocular provocation test with antigen in 22 patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis during the off-season. The histamine level in tear fluid showed a maximum value 5 minutes after provocation. The tryptase and leukotriene levels in tear fluid showed maximum values 5 to 10 minutes after provocation. Significant correlations were observed between histamine level and tryptase level in tear fluid both 5 and 10 minutes after provocation (5 minutes after: r=0.612, p<0.05, 10 minutes after: r=0.871, p<0.001). Sgnificant correlation was also observed between the histamine level and leukotriene level in tear fluid both 5 and 10 minutes after provocation (5 minutes after: r=0.608, p<0.05, r=0.807, p<0.01). Development of the early phase of type I allergy was considered to be mostly associated with mast cell.
