EXPRESSION OF DUCTAL FAS ANTIGEN IN SIALOADENITIS OF SJOGRENS-SYNDROME

Objective. The expression of Fns antigen on ductal epithelial cells of sialoadenitis was examined in patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) a nd in normal subjects. Methods. Minor salivary glands from the SS pati ents were examined by an immunohistochemical method using a new monocl onal antibody to the Fas antigen. Results. In two patients with severe sialoadenitis, Fas was strongly expressed on the ductal epithalial ce lls. By contrast, the Fas antigen was not seen in the minor salivary g lands of normal subjects nor in those with mild sialoadenitis. Conclus ion. This finding suggests that the Fas antigen may play a role in the pathogenesis of sialoadenitis in SS by providing a specific target fo r cytotoxic T cells expressing the Fas ligand.