lactoferrin and Submandibular-Gland-Diseases

Immunohistochemical detection of lactoferrin (LF), lysozyme (LZ) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was made in obstructive adenitis of the submandibular glands. Atrophic and altered acinar cells in the early stage of the lesion stained strongly for LF, whereas they were unreactive or stained slightly for LZ. Ductal cells usually stained for LZ. Staining for CEA was strong and irregularly distributed in altered acinar cells. Duct-like structures and dilated ductal segments in the chronic stage were generally negative for LF, LZ and CEA. Secretory components in luminal cavities gave abundant staining for LF, LZ and CEA. Histocytes which infiltrated into the connective tissue in the later stage showed a positive LZ reaction.

Topics: Acute Disease; Carcinoembryonic Antigen; Chronic Disease; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Lactoferrin; Lactoglobulins; Muramidase; Salivary Gland Diseases; Sialadenitis; Submandibular Gland; Submandibular Gland Diseases

The aim of this study was to investigate immunological aspects of the inflammatory reaction in the submandibular gland during chronic sialadenitis. Specimens of 54 patients registered at the Institute of Pathology at the University of Hamburg were stained according to the indirect immunoperoxidase method. The distribution patterns of Ig-secreting plasma cells (IgA, IgG, IgM) and of the enzymes lactoferrin, lysozyme, and secretory component were analysed. The formation of lymph follicles was also examined. The results were as follows: Stage 1 of the chronic sialadenitis starts as a simple inflammation with an increase of IgA-secreting plasma cells around the ducts. During stage 2 the unspecific, humoral part of the immune system is stimulated. The production of lactoferrin and lysozyme is enhanced. The titer of IgA rises due to activation of the local, specific immune system. The simultaneous rise of the IgG titer is probably caused by production at different sites. During the course of stage 3--4, the cells involved in the local, unspecific immune system are destroyed. The number of IgG secreting plasma cells also decreases. The formation of lymph follicles and the infiltration of the gland by lymphocytes is interpreted as a transition to the cellular immune response. Stage 4 of the Küttner tumor shows similarities to the autoimmune disease of Sjögren's syndrome.

Topics: Chronic Disease; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Immunoglobulins; Lactoferrin; Muramidase; Plasma Cells; Salivary Gland Diseases; Secretory Component; Sialadenitis; Submandibular Gland; Submandibular Gland Diseases