OBJECTIVE: The presence and spatial distribution of peptide-containing nerves in labial salivary glands from 10 Sjögren's syndrome patients were compared with those in salivary glands from 7 healthy controls. METHODS: Immunoperoxidase staining was used to demonstrate vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-immunoreactive (IR) fibers, postganglionic sympathetic fibers containing the C-flanking peptide of neuropeptide Y (CPON), and sensory fibers containing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P. RESULTS: Acini, intralobular ducts, small arteries, and postcapillary veins were richly innervated by VIP-IR fibers, whereas CPON-, CGRP-, and substance P-IR fibers were restricted to blood vessels. Peptide-containing nerves were found surrounding, but not in the middle of, the highly inflamed mononuclear cell areas. CONCLUSION: This topologic distribution suggests involvement of VIP-IR fibers in vascular, motor, and secretory components of the reflex salivary secretion, whereas the distribution and the vasoactive actions of CPON, CGRP, and substance P suggest a role in the regulation of the salivary gland circulation, and thus of transcapillary flow. Excessive release may contribute to a neurogenic inflammation. Local depletion and absence of trophic neuropeptide stimuli may contribute to acinar atrophy.
OBJECTIVE: The presence and spatial distribution of peptide-containing nerves in labial salivary glands from 10 Sjögren's syndrome patients were compared with those in salivary glands from 7 healthy controls. METHODS: Immunoperoxidase staining was used to demonstrate vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-immunoreactive (IR) fibers, postganglionic sympathetic fibers containing the C-flanking peptide of neuropeptide Y (CPON), and sensory fibers containing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P. RESULTS: Acini, intralobular ducts, small arteries, and postcapillary veins were richly innervated by VIP-IR fibers, whereas CPON-, CGRP-, and substance P-IR fibers were restricted to blood vessels. Peptide-containing nerves were found surrounding, but not in the middle of, the highly inflamed mononuclear cell areas. CONCLUSION: This topologic distribution suggests involvement of VIP-IR fibers in vascular, motor, and secretory components of the reflex salivary secretion, whereas the distribution and the vasoactive actions of CPON, CGRP, and substance P suggest a role in the regulation of the salivary gland circulation, and thus of transcapillary flow. Excessive release may contribute to a neurogenic inflammation. Local depletion and absence of trophic neuropeptide stimuli may contribute to acinar atrophy.
Authors: N Santavirta; Y T Konttinen; J Törnwall; M Segerberg; S Santavirta; M Matucci-Cerinic; H Björvell Journal: Ann Rheum Dis Date: 1997-12 Impact factor: 19.103
Authors: E-K Tensing; D C Nordström; S Solovieva; K-O Schauman; I Sippo-Tujunen; T Helve; S Natah; J Ma; T F Li; Y T Konttinen Journal: Ann Rheum Dis Date: 2003-10 Impact factor: 19.103