Modulation of Plasminogen Activator Activity in Human Skin Fibroblasts Infected with Mycoplasmas

Abstract

Abstract

Secreted and cell-associated plasminogen activator was measured in human skin fibroblasts infected with mycoplasmas. The infected fibroblasts exhibited significantly higher levels of secreted and cell-associated plasminogen activator activity compared to uninfected skin fibroblasts. Subconfluent infected fibroblasts had increased plasminogen activator activity compared to confluent infected fibroblasts. Plasminogen activator may be important in tissue destruction in disease states in which mycoplasma infection has been implicated.