HLA antigens in lyophilised corneal lenticules

Purpose: To investigate the presence of Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) in o rgan cultured corneas, in lyophilised epikeratophakia lenticules prepared b y dry state lathing, and in lenticules subjected to prolonged rehydration i n Balanced Salt Solution (BSS), Methods: Twelve lenticules and 3 organ cultured corneas were studied for th e presence of HLA-ABC (class I), and HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP (class IT), antig ens using the immunoperoxidase technique. Results: HLA-ABC antigens were detected in all lenticules, HLA-DR antigen w as also detected in low concentrations in 6 out of 12 lenticules, HLA-DQ an d DP antigens were generally absent. Incubation in BSS for 24 and 48 hours did not change the expression of antigens, Conclusions: HLA-class I, and to some degree HLA-class II antigens, are pre sent in the stroma of both organ cultured corneas, and in lyophilised lenti cules, Incubation in BSS for up to 48 hours did not reduce the expression o f antigens.