High-risk Corneal Allografts Are Capable of Stimulating Complement Dependent Cytolytic Antibodies

PURPOSE.To prospectively characterize serum antibody responses in high-risk corneal allografts. METHODS.Orthotopic and heterotopic C3H (H-2) corneas were transplanted to CB6F1 (H-2) recipient mice. Individual serum samples were collected at days 7, 14, 21, and 28 from orthotopically and heterotopically grafted mice. Samples were tested for anti-C3H antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum samples were also tested for the ability to lyse target cells in the presence of complement. RESULTS.In high-risk donor–host combinations, 100% corneal allograft rejection occurs in the absence of IgG1production. Both orthotopic and heterotopic corneal allografts induced cytolytic complement fixing antibody isotypes. CONCLUSIONS.Allospecific corneal antibody may be involved in corneal graft rejection in high-risk donor–host combinations.