LYMPHOID COMPLEMENT OF THE HUMAN SALIVARY-GLANDS - FUNCTION AND PATHOLOGY

In normal human salivary glands the Duct-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (D ALT) is poorly developed. In contrast, in the course of autoimmune dis orders, typified by Sjogren's syndrome (SS), organized lymphoid accumu lations are formed around the ducts. B cell-dependent zones with secon dary follicles and T cell-dependent zones with HEV are detected in the se lymphoid structures. In addition, the duct epithelium is infiltrate d by abundant lymphocytes. A persistent antigenic stimulation may lead to development of B-cell Mucose-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) lym phomas that, in low-grade cases, maintain the lobular organization of normal and of SS salivary glands.