T(H)1 cytokines are produced in labial salivary glands in Sjogren's syndrome, but also in healthy individuals

The aim of the present study was to assess the T cell cytokines IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-5 in labial salivary glands (LSG) in Sjogren's syndrome ( SS) and healthy controls using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. IFN-gamma i s always or almost always produced in SS and in healthy controls. IL-2 was also Found in some samples, but IL-4 and IL-5 were not. Less than 2% of all inflammatory mononuclear cells contained immuoreactive IFN-gamma or IL-2. Cytokine mRNA profile in LSGs in SS is skewed towards a T(H)1 pattern. The classical T(H)1 cytokines are also produced in normal glands, even in the a bsence of foci. T(H)1 type response may play an active role as part of the mucosal associated lymphoid tissue/responses, perhaps in prevention of reac tivation of latent viruses. This may also make the exocrine glands a locus minoris resistentiae when the self tolerance is broken.