Mast cells in human keloid, small intestine, and lung by an immunoperoxidase technique using a murine monoclonal antibody against tryptase.

A murine monoclonal antibody (G5) against human lung mast cell tryptase was used for selective staining of human mast cells by an indirect immunoperoxidase method. Human tissues (keloid, small bowel, lung) were fixed in either Carnoy's fluid or neutral buffered formalin. In all three tissues the number and location of G5-stained mast cells corresponded closely with metachromatic toluidine blue-stained mast cells, although the immunospecific technique appeared to be more sensitive. In lung the average concentration of G5-positive mast cells after Carnoy's fixation was 15,695/cu mm of subepithelial tissue in bronchi and bronchioles and 26,580/cu mm of alveolar wall, in small bowel was 20,958/cu mm of mucosa and 8576/cu mm of submucosa, and in keloid was 3068/cu mm. Formalin fixation significantly reduced concentrations of G5-positive mast cells in all tissues except keloid.