Immunologic protection of rabbit corneal allografts with heterologous 'blocking' antibody. Immunologic protection of corneal allografts.

Exchange penetrating keratoplasties were performed in NZW rabbits using conreas soaked in heterologous 'blocking' antibody (guinea pig anti-rabbit gamma-globulin) under various experimental situations and immunogenic stimuli. Results suggest that the antibody can protect the rabbit graft from weak rejection stimuli possibly by blocking the afferent arc of the immunologic reflex, but cannot protect the graft from presensitization, or nonocular sensitization. The use of a blocking antibody in human transplantation would be simple and of slight risk to a graft recipient.