Submandibular and lacrimal gland immunoglobulin in the C3H.MRL-Faslpr autoimmune mouse model of Sjögren's syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To distinguish potential autoimmune and nonautoimmune mechanisms underlying the salivary gland inflammation seen in Sjögren's syndrome and normal aging.


METHODS
Immunohistochemical studies were conducted on the lacrimal and salivary glands of 2- and 5-month-old C3H.MRL-Faslpr autoimmune strain mice and age-matched C3H/HeJ nonautoimmune controls.


METHODS
Glandular inflammatory foci, interstitial areas, and vasculature were stained for immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and complement to determine differences in their local immune parameter. Differences between the two strains were compared for immune changes attributable to autoimmune disease and between the two normal groups for normal aging changes.


RESULTS
Greater staining of IgG, IgA, and complement occurred in the inflammatory foci and interstitial areas of 5-month-old C3H.MRL-Faslpr lacrimal and submandibular glands compared with 5-month-old controls. Normal mice showed some increased immunoglobulin staining with aging, but little or no complement in any glands.


CONCLUSIONS
These differential findings suggest that the systemic autoimmune disease plays a more direct role in focal glandular inflammation in Sjögren's syndrome, whereas less severe immune mechanisms are involved in the inflammation of normal glands.
Trune
D R
DR
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201, USA.
Leedy
D A
DA
D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D003607:Dacryocystitis / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005110:Extracellular Space / Q000276:immunology; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / Q000032:analysis*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000098:blood supply / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D051379:Mice; D008809:Mice, Inbred C3H; D019463:Mice, Inbred MRL lpr; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D012793:Sialadenitis / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D013363:Submandibular Gland / Q000098:blood supply / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology
D004396:Coloring Agents; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D003165:Complement System Proteins