Fc receptors in corneal epithelium.

The corneal epithelia of the mouse, rabbit and human were shown to contain Fc receptors by an indirect method with immunoglobulins, labelled second antibody and the avidin-biotin peroxidase complex (ABC); and a direct method with the peroxidase conjugated Fc fragment. The cornea epithelia of all three species exhibited a high concentration of the Fc gamma R with either homologous or heterologous immunoglobulins. The binding specificity of Fc receptors was further supported by competitive inhibition of binding of labeled antibody by homologous, unlabeled antibody. Although Fc alpha R was also present it was at a much lower concentration. The Fc receptor for IgM (Fc microR) was difficult to demonstrate. However, it appeared to be present in very low concentration on only the mouse and rabbit corneal epithelium.