Jb. Matthews et al., PLASMA-CELL POPULATIONS IN LABIAL SALIVARY-GLANDS FROM PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT SJOGRENS-SYNDROME, Histopathology, 23(5), 1993, pp. 399-407
Plasma cells expressing IgG, IgA and IgM were quantified in labial sal
ivary glands from patients with Sjogren's syndrome (n=25) and compared
with glands from patients with a variety of systemic diseases (n=32)
and normal individuals (n=15). Based on qualitative and quantitative a
nalysis, glands from the systemic disease group were divided into norm
al histology (n=24) and non-specific inflammation (n=8) groups. There
were no significant differences in cell densities or Ig crass proporti
ons between histologically normal glands from patients and those from
normal volunteers. Total immunocyte densities were significantly incre
ased in sialadenitis (P < 0.025) and Sjogren's syndrome (P < 0.001) co
mpared with normal histology glands. In both the sialadenitis and Sjog
ren's syndrome groups there were significant increases in IgG and IgM
cell densities (IgG, P < 0.006; IgM, P < 0.001) and proportions (IgG,
P < 0.05; IgM, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in im
munocyte densities or proportions between the sialadenitis and Sjogren
's syndrome groups except for a lower percentage proportion of IgA cel
ls in the latter (P < 0.038). In all groups the total and individual I
g-class cell densities showed significant positive correlations with e
xtent of leucocyte infiltration (P < 0.01) and negative correlations b
etween IgA and IgG and/or IgM cell proportions. Analysis of the plasma
cen data alone and in combination with quantifiable histological para
meters failed to yield specific or sensitive diagnostic information. T
he results suggest that changes in glandular plasma cell populations i
n Sjogren's syndrome are non-specific.