COMPLEMENT REGULATORY PROTEINS IN THE SALIVARY-GLANDS AND SALIVA OF SJOGRENS-SYNDROME PATIENTS AND HEALTHY-SUBJECTS

Objective. The aim of this study was to examine the presence of the co mplement regulatory proteins protectin (CD59), decay accelerating fact or (CD55), membrane cofactor protein (CD46) and clusterin (SP-40,40) i n connection with the autoimmune exocrinopathy in Sjogren's syndrome ( SS). Methods. Labial salivary gland biopsy specimens and saliva sample s were obtained from SS patients and healthy subjects. The tissue expr ession of these proteins was assessed by ABC immunoperoxidase techniqu es. Saliva was analysed by immunoblotting methods. Results. Tissues fr om healthy subjects expressed CD59 and CD46 on the apical/luminal surf aces of acinar and ductal epithelial cells. CD59, CD55, and SP-40,40 w ere expressed in interstitial tissues. In SS tissues, the expression o f CD55, CD59, CD46 and SP-40,40 was up-regulated following the same pa tterns of tissue localization as the controls. CD46 and SP-40,40 exhib ited a much higher staining intensity in SS patients compared to contr ols. CD55, CD59 and SP-40,40 were present at high concentrations in sa liva from SS patients. Conclusion. The presence of complement regulato rs in our SS patients' saliva and the high expression of these these p roteins in inflamed salivary gland tissue followed the inflammatory re action. These regulators may be involved in protecting the exocrine gl ands from complement mediated injury.