Changes in membrane fluidity of mast cells, induced by antigen-anaphylactic antibody reaction.

Binding of IgE to rat mast cell receptors caused a distinct decrease of membrane fluidity. The antigen-IgE antibody reaction was followed by rapid changes in membrane fluidity of sensitized mast cells. In the earliest phase of the antigen-antibody reaction membrane fluidity decreased, however, this decrease was followed by a quick increase 10 min. later.