Immunohistochemical markers in the normal human epibulbar conjunctiva from fetus to adult

C. C. Chan, R. B. Nussenblatt, M. Ni, S. Li and W. Mao
Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892.

Monoclonal antibodies were used for the study of inflammatory cellular subtypes, Langerhans' cells, and major histocompatibility complex class II antigens on the epibulbar conjunctiva obtained from individuals ranging in age from fetus to the seventh decade to compile basic data for comparison with other inflammatory and proliferative conjunctival diseases. In the fetal conjunctiva, there were significantly fewer T cells and Langerhans' cells than in adult conjunctiva. In the adult conjunctiva, a mild T-cell infiltration was observed. Expression of HLA-DQ in the 20- to 50-year-old age group was significantly lower compared with fetal and other age groups.