Disease spectrum in patients with elevated serum tryptase levels.

Background: Elevated serum tryptase levels can be a sign of mastocytosis, which is a rare disease associated with systemic and/or skin manifestations.

Objective: To investigate patients with elevated tryptase levels in regard to their underlying diseases, and to determine whether increased tryptase can be used as a diagnostic marker for underlying mastocytosis.

Methods: In a retrospective study the data of 96 patients with serum tryptase levels higher than 15 μg/L were systematically analysed.

Modulation of bladder alpha1-adrenergic receptor subtype expression by bladder outlet obstruction.

Purpose: alpha1-Adrenergic receptor (alpha1AR) antagonists are effective for relieving obstructive and irritative symptoms in patients with bladder outlet obstruction. While the alpha1aAR is responsible for prostate smooth muscle relaxation and outlet obstruction relief, to our knowledge the mechanisms underlying the relief of irritative symptoms remain to be determined. Therefore, we investigated mechanisms by which bladder alpha1AR subtypes may be involved in this process.