Sequential development of a conjunctival basophil hypersensitivity lesion in guinea pig

We investigated the cellular profile of inflammatory infiltrate during development of a guinea pig conjunctival basophil hypersensitivity lesion at 1, 6, 24, 48, and 72 hr following injection of keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Neutrophils reached maximal accumulation at 6 hr. Eosinophils and basophils reached maximal accumulation at 24 hr. Basophil numbers remained high at 48 hr and were lower at 72 hr. The number of stromal monocytes did not vary significantly from PBS-injected tissues at any time. Mast cell number decreased at 24 hr following antigen challenge. Morphologic evidence for intense secretory activity was seen in cells at the stromal reaction site. Secretion channels and evidence of intense degranulation was seen from electron microscopy of neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. Inflammatory cells migrate through the basement membrane into the conjunctival epithelium. After maximal accumulation there was a decrease in the number of inflammatory cell types in the epithelium.