Fc and complement receptor lymphocytes in the ocular tissues of rabbits immunized intravitreally with ovalbumin.

The numbers of antibody producing cells (PFC) and the percentages of Fc receptor cells (FcR) and complement receptor cells (CRL) in the ocular and lymphoid tissues of rabbits immunized intravitreally with ovalbumin were determined. Antibody-producing cells were detected first in the lymph nodes and then in the uveas and corneas. The uveal tracts contained more than 50% FcR early in the antibody response, but the percentages returned to normal levels during the second postinjection week. An apparent inverse relationship between the numbers of ocular PFC and the percentages of ocular FcR was noted. The percentages of CRL in the spleens and lymph nodes were similar to those reported by other investigators. No obvious correlation between CRL percentages in the ocular tissues and the numbers of PFC was seen. The "T-" or "B-" cell nature of the ocular FcR and their possible functions in regulating ocular immune responses are yet to be determined.