[Usefulness of the DNA-HLA class II typing in corneal transplantation]

DNA-HLA (human leukocyte antigen) typing was performed for ocular tissues in order to determine the usefulness of the method in corneal transplantation. Each type of ocular tissue was dissected from eye bank eyes (n = 3). DNA was extracted, and HLA-DRB1, DQB1, and DPB1 genes were amplified using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method. DNA can be extracted and amplified from each ocular tissue except for the crystalline lens, but DNA from iris and choroid can be amplified only after diluting the samples 10 to 100 times. HLA class II antigens were successfully determined in these ocular tissues by the RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) method. The method was applied to the corneal tissues of donor and recipient used for the corneal transplantation (n = 7). HLA class II antigens can be determined in both the donor and recipient corneal samples, and the results of recipients' HLA typing were the same as those determined using the blood samples. These results indicate that the DNA-HLA typing can be used for ocular tissues. Since DNA-HLA typing is more accurate than the conventional serological typing, the method is promising for the study of HLA class II typing in corneal transplantation.