Immunologic protection of rabbit corneal allografts with heterologous blocking antibody.

We performed exchange penetrating keratoplasties in New Zealand White rabbits by using corneas soaked in heterologous "blocking" antibody (guinea pig antirabbit lymphocyte globulin) under various experimental situations and immunogenic stimuli. Results suggested that the antibody can protect the corneal graft from a weak rejection response possibility by blocking the afferent are of the immunologic rejection reflex, but cannot protect a graft subject to a strong immunologic rejection episode. Based on these results, the use of a blocking antibody in human transplantation would be of potential benefit and offer little risk to a graft recipient.