How can ECP be used as a marker for allergy?

ImmunoCAP ECP

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ECP levels will be increased when an atopic asthmatic patient has been exposed to the allergens he is allergic to. This can be utilised in an allergen provocation test (1). In avoidance studies ECP is a good marker to verify that the avoidance has succeeded. If the exposure has been minimized the ECP levels will decrease (2).
 
The efficacy of immunotherapy (IT) in pollen allergic patients can be monitored by measuring ECP before, during and after the pollen season. If IT is efficient, the ECP value will change only slightly during the pollen season (3).
 
References
  1. Venge P, Dahl R, Peterson CGB: Eosinophil Granule Proteins in Serum after Allergen Challenge of Asthmatic Patients and the Effects of Anti-Asthmatic Medication. Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol 1988; 87:306-312.
  2. Boner AL, Peroni DG, Piacentini GL and Venge P: Influence of allergen avoidance at high altitude on serum markers of eosinophil activation in children with allergic asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 1993; 23:1021-1026.
  3. Rak S, Löwhagen 0, Venge P. The effect of immunotherapy on bronchial hyperresponsiveness and eosinophil cationic protein in pollen-allergic patients. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1988; 82:470-480.
Further Reading