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Abstract
Penetrating corneal homografts were performed in rabbits for the purpose of making, surface studies with the scanning electron microscope at various stages of rejection. The rejection of graft epithelium was characterized by a disruption and breakdown of its normal structure in an area 60 to 80 nm. in width. Desquamated cells, pits, and craters were observed in the area of rejection which moved in a sweeping manner across the cornea. Corneal endothelial rejection began at the host-graft junction. Lymphocytes sighted between destroyed or abnormal endothelial cells appeared to have multiple microvillae and pseudopods which facilitated, adherence to each other or to the endothelial cells. In totally opaque grafts, the endothelium had been replaced by flattened cells of various sizes and shapes arranged in multilayered membranes.