PLASMA-CELL POPULATIONS IN LABIAL SALIVARY-GLANDS FROM PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT SJOGRENS-SYNDROME

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.