Conjunctival transplantation. Autologous and homologous grafts
R. A. Weise, M. J. Mannis, D. W. Vastine, L. S. Fujikawa and A. M. Roth
Autologous conjunctival transplants have been used successfully for
restoration of damaged ocular surfaces. Homologous (allogeneic)
conjunctival grafts have been explored less systematically. We developed a
nonhuman primate model for comparison of autologous and homologous
conjunctival transplantation in order to assess the clinical viability and
immunopathologic characteristics of these grafts. Autologous or homologous
grafts were performed in nine adult rhesus monkeys. Both autologous and
homologous grafts were compared for clinical viability and immunopathologic
change. Clinical results suggest that, although homologous grafts incited a
greater inflammatory and scarring response, there was minimal graft
shrinkage and a normal surface epithelium. Immunopathologic studies using
laminin, bullous pemphigoid antigen, and fibronectin indicate that, despite
the increased inflammatory response seen in homografts, the epithelial
surface is normal. With our increasing ability to modulate the immune
response, conjunctival homografts may play a role in restoration of the
ocular surface.
