Cytokine Expression in Labial Salivary Glands from Patients with Primary Sjöugren's Syndrome

Abstract

The presence and distribution of 7 cytokines was examined immunohistologically in labial salivary gland (LSG) specimens from patients with primary Sögren's syndrome (SS) and control subjects. The cytokines interleukin (IL)-1βIL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and interferon (IFN)γ were identified in defined parts of LSG from patients but not in the corresponding parts of control glands: (a) LSG acinar epithelium expressed IL-1β, (b) blood vessels located in both normal LSG stroma and within lymphocytic infiltrates expressed IL-lβ, IL-6 and IFNm`, and (c) lymphocytic infiltrates expressed IL-lβ, IL-6 and TNFα. All four cytokines were expressed by salivary ducts within both patient and control specimens, but with generally greater intensity in patients. IL-lα, IL-4 and TNFβ (lymphotoxin) could not be detected in any of the specimens from patients or controls. The locations of cytokines in LSG suggests possible mechanisms of immunologically mediated parenchymal damage in primary SS.

Key Words:

• Cytokines
• salivary glands
• Sjögren's syndrome