Effects of mycoplasma infection on Fc receptors for IgE of rat basophilic leukemia cells

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Abstract
Earlier studies from this laboratory had shown that rat basophilic leukemia cells carry two major receptors for IgE, named R and H, and a third minor receptor, designated 71K. It is now apparent that 71K is induced by the action of Mycoplama hyorhinis, a common contaminant of tissue cultures. This induction is reversible. Decontamination either in in vitro or in vivo leads to a disappearance of 71K and re‐infection causes its reappearance. The 71K receptor appears to be induced by the action of the mycoplasma on a surface molecule, most likely R, present on the cells at the time of infection. When receptors are occupied by IgE, 71K induction is inhibited. Other effects of mycoplasma infection include the significant reduction in the expression of transferrin receptors and increased histamine content of infected cells.