Is There a Functional Heterogeneity among IgE-Type Mast Cell-Sensitizing Antibodies? |
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| Authors: | H. Bergstrand R. Pauwels H. Bazin |
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| Affiliation: | The Pharmacological Laboratory. Research &Development Department. AB Draco. Lund. Sweden.;The Tornblad Institute. University of Lund. Sweden.;The Department of Respirtory Discases. University of Ghent. Belgium.;The Experimental Immunology Unit. University of Louvain. Brussels. Belgium |
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| Abstract: | It has recently been established that mast cells display functional heterogeneity. The question then arises whether the IgE-type of antibody, which avidly binds to and thereby sensitizes mast cells and basophils for allergen-induced release of mediators, also expresses functional heterogeneity. In the present article we bring together several experimental observations, mainly from the rat system, which are difficult to explain unless one postulates that mast cell/basophil-sensitizing antibodies of the IgE-type are heterogeneous in their cell-binding properties. |
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| Keywords: | histamine release homocytotropic antibodies IgE mast cell. Rat |
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