IGF-1 and insulin receptor expression in the minor salivary gland tissues of Sjögren's syndrome and mucoceles--immunohistochemical study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of IGF-1 receptors and insulin receptors on the minor salivary gland (MSG) tissues of patients diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and normal salivary gland tissue surrounding mucoceles. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Five MSG tissue sections from SS and seven from mucocele patients were stained immunohistochemically using antibody to IGF-1 receptor and insulin receptor in a horse radish peroxidase and DAB system.
RESULTS: The expression of the insulin receptor was increased in the SS sections compared with controls, while the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor was more intensely expressed in the controls.
CONCLUSION: The presence of differential expression of receptors for IGF and insulin might suggest a possible role of these growth factors in the pathogenesis of SS.