Immune corneal rings. III. Mechanism of local immune corneal ring formation.

Immune corneal ring reactions which were earlier defined in two distinct categories under the terms "systemic immune rings" and "local immune rings" have now been shown to be distinguishable by their mechanism of development. Local immune rings formed in properly sensitized corneas, in tissue culture and in whole enucleated eyes, with or without the inclusion of high titer immune serum in the medium or anterior chamber. Weak forms of local rings also developed in vivo by passive transfer of hyperimmune serum followed by optimal amounts of antigen. The local rings have thereby been demonstrated to develop from antibody that is already present in sensitized corneal tissue. Antibody other than precipitin may be responsible for the more severe type of local ring with opaque disc that occurs in vivo. A more dependable method is presented for producing rings in a high percentage of sensitized