No effect of concanavalin A on the corneal graft reaction

Penetrating corneal homografts were performed in albino rabbits. The experimental group received grafts soaked in a solution of concanavalin A; the control group received grafts soaked in lactated Ringer's solution. Animals with technically successful grafts were subsequently exposed to an additional antigenic stimulus from the corneal donor via skin grafting. This procedure produces a uniformly high rate of corneal graft rejection. The two groups were compared for the frequency and onset of the graft reaction to evaluate any effectiveness of concanavalin A in altering the graft reaction. Results demonstrated no differences between control and experimental groups. The significance of these findings is discussed.