H. Koski et al., TRANSFORMING GROWTH-FACTOR-BETA-2 IN LABIAL SALIVARY-GLANDS IN SJOGRENS-SYNDROME, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 54(9), 1995, pp. 744-747
Objective-To compare the distribution and the amount of transforming g
rowth factor beta (TGF beta) in labial salivary glands (LSG) in patien
ts with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) and healthy controls. Methods-LSG from
SS patients (n = 10) and healthy controls (n = 6) were labelled with
peroxidase-antiperoxidase staining for TGF beta 2, which was quantitat
ed in image analysis using Video Interactive Display System software.
Results-In all LSGs in SS and healthy controls, TGF beta 2 was found i
n endothelial cells of the capillaries and in the capsular and stromal
fibroblasts. In LSGs in SS, TGF beta 2 was also found in some lymphoc
ytes in the inflammatory cell foci and in fibroblasts in fibrotic area
s. The TGF beta 2 staining index (mu m(2)/mm(2) tissue) was greater in
SS than in control LSGs (3670 (SEM 430) v 2061 (176); p < 0.01), with
no difference between the primary and secondary forms of SS (p > 0.05
). Conclusion-The localisation and the level of expression of TGF beta
2 indicate its involvement in local tissue fibrosis, and may reflect
attempts at immunosuppression.