Abstract
Factors governing the sensitization or desensitization of basophils and mast cells are discussed. Mathematical models are proposed which illustrate the effects of rising or falling specific or non-specific IgE titres on the tendency of these cells to degranulate. The models presented are consistent with the hypothesis that fine-tuning of the degranulatory event is achieved by one or more of the following mechanisms: alteration of the number of IgE receptors on the mast cell membrane; displacement of specific anti-schistosomal IgE by anti-other-IgE molecules; clipping or otherwise inactivating mast cell-fixed specific IgE receptor sites so as to render these incapable of binding antigen. Mechanisms proposed may explain how a mast cell population may evolve from highly sensitive to non-reactive allergic states during early and/or chronic periods of schistosomiasis, only to revert to highly sensitive states once again, after the disease has been overcome.
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