[Reaction of Langerhans cells of the corneal epithelium to topically applied lead].

Twenty guinea pigs were given a solution of lead acetate into the conjunctival sac. Ten animals from the control group received distilled water. In the contaminated group one observed conjunctival irritation and a paralimbal opacification of the cornea. Histopathological examination of the contaminated animals showed a distinctly lower number of the Langerhans' cells in comparison with the control group.