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Corneal cellular immunity in the guinea pig
The American Journal of Pathology
|February 1, 1974
Summary
Guinea pigs developed systemic hypersensitivity to corneal and skin antigens after sensitization. Both in vivo and in vitro methods confirmed cellular immune responses and cross-reactivity between cornea and skin tissues.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) plays a role in immune responses to tissue antigens.
- Understanding cross-reactivity between corneal and skin antigens is crucial for immune-mediated conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the systemic immune response and cross-reactivity between cornea and skin antigens in guinea pigs.
- To evaluate cellular immune responses using in vivo and in vitro assays.
Main Methods:
- Sensitization of guinea pigs via corneal grafting or injection of corneal homogenates.
- Assessment of delayed-type hypersensitivity using intradermal skin tests.
- In vitro analysis of cellular immunity with lymph node cells (LNC) and peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) using thymidine incorporation and macrophage migration inhibition (MIF) assays.
- In vivo passive transfer of delayed-type hypersensitivity.
Main Results:
- Both in vivo and in vitro methods confirmed systemic hypersensitivity in sensitized animals.
- Peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) and lymph node cells (LNC) from sensitized animals produced MIF upon antigenic stimulation.
- Skin tests and in vitro assays revealed cross-reactivity between corneal and skin antigens, but not with liver antigens.
Conclusions:
- Guinea pigs exhibit systemic delayed-type hypersensitivity to corneal and skin antigens.
- Cellular immune responses, including MIF production, are involved in this hypersensitivity.
- Cross-reactivity exists between corneal and skin antigens, suggesting shared antigenic determinants.