A new morphologic manifestation of Langerhans cells in guinea pig corneal transplants

Abstract
Langerhans cells are virtually never seen in the normal undisturbed corneal epithelium. They may be stimulated to migrate into the corneal epithelium by a variety of chemical and mechanical stimulation, including penetrating keratoplasty. We have found a previously undescribed morphologic manifestation of the Langerhans cell in guinea pig eyes undergoing corneal transplantation. These cells are found around the graft, and in high concentration around sutures. They may be a motile form of the typical Langerhans cell or a specialized form which captures or distributes antigen.