Abstract
The immunogenicity of allogeneic sclera was tested in a rabbit model system. Twelve linebred New Zealand rabbits were injected with various doses of a crude homogenate of allogeneic sclera suspended in complete Freund's adjuvant. The eyes were observed grossly and histologically for inflammatory changes indicative of autoimmune responsiveness for up to 10 weeks after the first injection. Control and test animals were sacrificed and their lymphoid cells tested in vitro for sensitivity to scierai antigens. Delayed hypersensitivity to sclera antigens was evaluated and sera examined for antibody to sclera. No evidence of autoimmunity to the animals eyes in either test or control rabbits was noted. Lymphocyte cultures from all but one appeared inhibited by the presence of the sclera. The addition of microgram concentrations of either the crude sclera homogenate or soluble substances obtained by centrifugation of the homogenate to lymphocyte cultures inhibited mitogen‐induced DNA synthesis by 46 to 91%. Sclera appears to be a weak immunogen. It is conceivable that allogeneic sclera could be a more potent immunogen in animals of a specific genetic constitution. Sclera may modulate the immune response by activating a suppressor mechanism and this activation may play a role in the lack of immune responsiveness clinically observed in vivo.
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