Competition of normal gamma-globulins with cytophilic antibody for corneal cells.

Abstract

Sections of cornea from normal rabbits when incubated with rabbit antiserum to <i>β</i>-galactosidase (BG<sub>Z</sub>) and washed were shown to bind BG<sub>Z</sub>. This passive sensitization is presumably mediated by a ‘cytophilic’ antibody present in the hyperimmune serum. Incubation of the corneal discs with unfractionated normal rabbit serum or its <i>γ</i><sub>2</sub>-IgG fractions, significantly reduced the ability of the discs to bind cytophilic antibody. This inhibition was produced only by normal <i>γ</i><sub>2</sub>-IgG and not by <i>γ</i><sub>1</sub>-IgG which indicates the presence of specific receptors on cell surfaces for binding cytophilic antibody. Preemption of these receptors and thereby inhibition of passive sensitization of cornea by normal <i>γ</i><sub>2</sub>-globulin is presented as a possible means to reduce the manifestations of allergic responses in the eye.