Strain-dependent limbal lymphatics. Genetic background significantly affects corneal preexisting limbal lymphatics. The area of preexisting lymphatics in C57BL/6 mice is significantly larger than that in Balb/c mice. nu/nu mice show the intermediate phenotype. Preexisting limbal lymphatics may be heterogenic in patients, causing differences in corneal transplant rejection or keratitis. nu/nu mice develop normal lymphatics, suggesting that T cells may not be important for lymphatic development.
