Purpose:To investigate the density, distribution and morphology of macrophages and MHC class II -positive dendritic cells in the iris and ciliary body of lewis rats. Methods:Immunohistochemistry was performed using monoclonal antibodies specific to monocytes and macrophages (ED1,ED2) and MHC class II -positive cells (OX6) on wholemounts of the iris-ciliary body complex isolated form normal lewis rats.Results:A well developed network of macrophages was present in the iris and ciliary body of normal lewis rats. These cells, morphologically displaying dendriti-form or pleiomorphic appearance, were more densely arranged in mid-iris (950 + 189 cells/mm2) than in iris base (482 ± 78 cells/mm2) and pupil margin (595 ± 92 cells/mm2). A similar network of MHC class II -positive cells with a cell density 452 ± 78 cells/mm2 was almost uniformly distributed in the iris of normal lewis rats.Conclusions : A network of macrophages and MHC class II -positive cells was established in the iris and ciliary body of
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