Monoclonal antibodies to human amnion recognize different components of the rabbit eye

The epithelium of the eye originates from embryonic ectoderm, whereas the amnion is an extra-embryonic membrane that bears close relationship with many ectodermal tissues. Shared antigens have been identified between human amnion and cornea using rabbit antisera to human amnion. Three monoclonal antibodies to human amnion, GB4, GB9, and GB11 were studied by immunofluorescence on the anterior segment of the rabbit eye. GB4 recognized the epithelium of the conjunctiva and the subcapsular epithelium of the lens. GB9 reacted only with the central four fifths of the corneal epithelium; the peripheral epithelium near the limbus was not reactive. GB11 detected the pigmented epithelial cells in ciliary processes.