HLA antigens in lyophilised corneal lenticules.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the presence of Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) in organ cultured corneas, in lyophilised epikeratophakia lenticules prepared by dry state lathing, and in lenticules subjected to prolonged rehydration in Balanced Salt Solution (BSS).


METHODS
Twelve lenticules and 3 organ cultured corneas were studied for the presence of HLA-ABC (class I), and HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP (class II), antigens using the immunoperoxidase technique.


RESULTS
HLA-ABC antigens were detected in all lenticules. HLA-DR antigen was also detected in low concentrations in 6 out of 12 lenticules. HLA-DQ and -DP antigens were generally absent. Incubation in BSS for 24 and 48 hours did not change the expression of antigens.


CONCLUSIONS
HLA-class I, and to some degree HLA-class II antigens, are present in the stroma of both organ cultured corneas, and in lyophilised lenticules. Incubation in BSS for up to 48 hours did not reduce the expression of antigens.
Tabandeh
H
H
Department of Ophthalmology, St. George's Hospital, London, England.
Morris
E
E
Rostron
C K
CK
Corbishley
C
C
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003315:Cornea / Q000737:chemistry*; D005612:Freeze Drying; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000032:analysis*; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D008875:Middle Aged; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D007552:Isotonic Solutions