A Transient Stage of Suspected Delayed Sensitivity During the Early Induction Phase of Immediate Corneal Sensitivity

Abstract

1. If quantities of bovine serum albumin or bovine gamma globulin in the range of 2 to 4 mg are inoculated intracorneally into rabbits, a biphasic reaction occurs in the cornea. 2. The primary reaction, which becomes manifest approximately 3 days after inoculation and lasts several days, is characterized by a diffuse clouding of the cornea. During this period, no antibody can be demonstrated either by serological or histological techniques. The animals react with a delayed type of skin reaction and the sensitivity can be passively transferred to normal guinea pigs with the cells of pooled lymph nodes or buffy coats. The corneal reaction is therefore considered a manifestation of delayed sensitivity. 3. The secondary reaction in the cornea, usually occurring about the 14th day after inoculation is the "Wessely phenomenon." This reaction is characterized by a precipitation of immune complexes in the cornea resulting in a visible annular corneal opacity. Circulating antibody can be readily demonstrated by both serological and histological techniques and the animals demonstrate typical Arthus skin sensitivity. 4. Generally intervening between these two phases of corneal activity is a stage in which the inoculated eye appears essentially normal. This stage is eliminated if both corneas are inoculated initially.

The in Vitro Production of Antibody by Delayed Phase Corneal Limbal Lymphoid Foci

“…In a previous study, the present authors demonstrated that if a sufficient quantity of antigen is introduced intracorneally in rabbits, one obtains a biphasic reaction in that cornea (6). The initial response is characterized by a sudden diffuse corneal clouding and a dilatation of the limbal vessels 3 to 5 days after the introduction of the antigen.…”

“…The most recent observations on the induction of delayed hypersensitivity by means of immune precipitates serve to further emphasize the importance of the intradermal route. It was therefore with much excitement that the present authors added their observation of an experimentally induced, biphasic corneal reaction, representing a transient stage of delayed hypersensitivity prior to the appearance of the antibody mediated "Wessely Phenomenon," to the literature (6).…”

The reverse Wessely phenomenon: immune corneal rings following systemic immunisation.

“…Morawiecki (1956) demonstrated that the cornea could behave much like an agar substrate for migration of immune reactants in producing precipitin arcs as in gel diffusion. Parks et al (1962) revealed a delayed hypersensitivity response in the cornea if it was overloaded with antigen in attempts to produce the Wessely phenomenon. The cornea was used for many years as the critical in-vivo test for delayed hypersensitivity to a given antigen (Salvin and Gregg, 1961). )…”