The British journal of ophthalmology
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There are more reagents and information available for immunological studies in the mouse compared with other animals. Unfortunately, the mouse penetrating keratoplasty model is associated with high background inflammation which hinders study of the immune response to the graft. To mitigate this drawback, a murine orthotopic corneal interlamellar transplantation model with mild non-specific inflammation was developed. ⋯ Surgically, corneal interlamellar transplantation could be accomplished in the mouse and rejection could be clearly defined. The model can therefore be useful for in situ study of cell and molecular aspects of corneal graft rejection.