EFFECT OF INTERLEUKIN-2 ON SALIVARY-GLAND MORPHOLOGY AND FUNCTION IN MICE

C57BL mice were injected intraperitoneally with 300,000 Cetus units/da y of human recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) for 2, 4, and 5 days to s tudy its effect on salivary gland function and morphology. The pilocar pine-stimulated parotid salivary flow was collected via cannulation of the glandular duct. Total salivary protein was assayed spectrophotome trically, salivary electrolytes were determined by atomic absorption, and glandular lymphoid cell infiltration was evaluated histologically. After 5 days of rIL-2 administration salivary output and total saliva ry protein concentrations were reduced significantly. Similar changes, albeit to a lesser extent, were observed following 2 and 4 days of rI L-2 treatment. Increased lymphoid infiltration of the salivary glands was observed, and was directly related to the duration of rIL-2 admini stration. The effect of the lymphokine on the parotid gland gradually dwindled after cessation of treatment: 4 days posttreatment this saliv ary gland showed signs of recovery, which at 10 days proved to be comp lete. The possible use of this animal model in the study of lymphocyte -induced salivary gland diseases is discussed.