Immunoglobulin E (IgE) ELISA

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) has been demonstrated in several human secretions and
fluids, such as respiratory tract mucous and saliva, urine, tears, human milk as well as
in intestinal juices.
The IgE is responsible for various hypersensitivity reactions of the immediate type
(Type-I-hypersensitivity). Polyvalent antigens trigger B-cells to produce specific IgE
in large amounts. The released IgE antibodies bind to the Fc receptor on the surface
of mast cells. The next time the sensitised person has contact to the allergen, it cross
links the IgE on the surface of the mast cells and thereby triggers the mast cells to
release histamine, which cause the various symptoms.
IgE is involved in a number of allergic phenomena such as erythema, anaphylaxis,
homocytotropic histamine release, skin-sensitisation and atopic reaction. In patients
suffering from allergy, the IgE levels increase as much as three to four times compared
to the healthy.