Corneal test as a reliable method for detection of the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in mice

Antigen solution could be injected into the cornea of sensitized mice using a fine needle and a stereoscopic dissecting microscope. The resulting corneal reaction was shown to be a reliable method in the detection and estimation of delayed-type hypersensitivity in mice that had been immunized with a water-in-oil emulsion containing an ovalbumin and a cell wall adjuvant. Unlike the delayed skin reaction in the ear lobe, this corneal reaction was not affected by a coexisting Arthus reaction.