Transforming growth factor β2 in labial salivary glands in Sjogren's syndrome

Abstract

Objective-To compare the distribution and the amount of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) in labial salivary glands (LSG) in patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) and healthy controls. Methods-LSG from SS patients (n = 10) and healthy controls (n = 6) were labelled with peroxidase-antiperoxidase staining for TGFβ2, which was quantitated in image analysis using Video Interactive Display System software. Results-In all LSGs in SS and healthy controls, TGF,β2 was found in endothelial cells of the capillaries and in the capsular and stromal fibroblasts. In LSGs in SS, TGF,β2 was also found in some lymphocytes in the inflammatory cell foci and in fibroblasts in fibrotic areas. The TGFβ2 staining index (μm2/mm2 tissue) was greater in SS than in control LSGs (3670 (SEM 430) v 2061 (176); p<0.01), with no difference between the primary and secondary forms ofSS (p > 0.05). Conclusion-The localisation and the level ofexpression ofTGFβ2 indicate its involvement in local tissue fibrosis, and may reflect attempts at immunosuppression.