INCREASED SOLUBLE CD23 MOLECULES IN SERUM SALIVA AND CORRELATION WITHTHE STAGE OF SIALOECTASIS IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY SJOGRENS-SYNDROME/

Objective. We examined the soluble CD23 (sCD23) molecules in sera and saliva from patients with Sjogren's syndrome. Methods. The determinati on of sCD23 and other soluble molecules were made by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. The amounts of sCD23 in the sera/saliva were significantly increased in the patients compared to the controls and the levels were significantly correlated with sialoectasis. Concl usion. The findings suggest that increased sCD23 molecules in saliva f rom patients with Sjogren's syndrome may reflect active sialoectasis.