The effect of splenectomy on corneal graft rejection

Recent studies have suggested that the spleen may be essential for the "immunologic privilege" enjoyed by corneal grafts. We tested this hypothesis in rabbits by performing 38 exchange penetrating keratoplasties between 19 normal rabbits and 19 rabbits that had undergone splenectomy. No significant difference was found in the number of corneas rejected or the mean graft survival time between the normal and splenectomized rabbits.