Leukocytes and experimental corneal vascularization.

The growth of blood vessels toward corneal burns was compared in normal rabbits and those depleted of their white cells by exposure to X-irradiation. By the fourth day following injury, new vessels were present in all control and leukopenic animals. Histologic examination failed to demonstrate infiltrating cells in the leukopenic animals. In the absence of inflammatory cells, the cornea has the capacity to undergo vascularization in response to an injury. It is suggested that the epithelium is a source of a vasostimulating substance.