Lymphoid complement of the human salivary glands: function and pathology.
In normal human salivary glands the Duct-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (DALT) is poorly developed. In contrast, in the course of autoimmune disorders, typified by Sjögren's syndrome (SS), organized lymphoid accumulations are formed around the ducts. B cell-dependent zones with secondary follicles and T cell-dependent zones with HEV are detected in these lymphoid structures. In addition, the duct epithelium is infiltrated by abundant lymphocytes. A persistent antigenic stimulation may lead to development of B-cell Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) lymphomas that, in low-grade cases, maintain the lobular organization of normal and of SS salivary glands.
Ciccone
E
E
National Institute for Cancer Research, Genoa, Italy.
Truini
M
M
Grossi
C E
CE
D006801:Humans; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology*; D018442:Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology*; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology