Zur ultrastruktur der parotis beim sj�gren-syndrom vor und nach immunsuppressiver therapie

The autoimmune submandibular sialoadenitis of the NZB/NZW hybrid mice. A light and electron microscopical investigation

An electron microscopic study of the submandibular salivary gland lesion occurring in the NZB/NZW F1 hybrid mice was performed, and the findings were discussed and correlated to the autoimmune salivary gland disease observed in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. Within the submandibular salivary gland of this mouse strain focal infiltrates of mononuclear inflammatory cells were observed. Lymphoid cells were observed inside the basal lamina of acini and ducts, leading to destruction of these glandular units. The typical duct cell proliferation found in the autoimmune sialoadenitis of Sjögren's syndrome with the formation of the typical epimyoepithelial islands was not found in the submandibular glands of NZB/NZW mice.

Ultrastructural observations on the parotitis autoimmunica in the NZB/NZW hybrid mice

The lesions of the spontaneously occurring sialoadenitis in the parotid gland of New Zealand Black/New Zealand White (NZB/NZW) hybrid mice were studied with the light microscope and the electron microscope. The inflammatory mononuclear cell infiltrates of the glands observed adjacent to glandular vessels and ducts were found to consist of several different cell types. Lymphoid cells (large, medium sized and small lymphocytes) were the most common, but plasma cells, histiocytes and macrophages were also encountered. Furthermore lymphoid cells were frequently observed inside the basement membrane of acini as well as INTERcalated ducts. Evidence of cell damage of the epithelium invaded by lymphoid elements included loss of cytoplasmic density, vesiculation of the endoplasmic reticulum, the appearance of cytoplasmic vacuoles, and cellular lysis. All the animals studied displayed moderate to advanced glomerular, wire-loop lesions in the kidneys. The light and electron microscopic findings indicate that the parotitis in NZB/NZW mice is basically a vasculitis. Duct cell proliferation and epimyo-epithelial island formation, which are common features in Sjögren's syndrome, are totally lacking in the material studied.

A simple device measuring differences in level in the oesophagus

A device for measuring the difference in level between the pressure transducer and a point of measurment is described. It can be used in oesophageal manometry with waterfilled catheters to measure and compensate for superimposed hydrostatic pressure. The practical application of the method is illustrated.

[Morphology of salivary gland diseases]

The human salivary glands represent a functional system with manifold responsibilities and interactions to the organism. The major and minor salivary glands show a common construction schedule consisting of an acinar functional system for the production of an enzyme- and mucin-containing primary saliva and a ductal functional system with manifold secretory, resorptive and regulatory responsibilities for the transport and the definitive composition of the saliva. The cyclic AMP and calcium iones localized in the glandular acini have an exceptional importance for the course of the secretory process. The neurohormonal control of the salivary secretion results by adrenergic and cholinergic transmitter substances. Moreover the secretory process shows a daily cycle combined with morphological alterations of the glandular cells (so called circadian structures). The fluid secretion of the salivary duct system (the output of sodium-, potassium- and chlorine-iones) represents an active energy-consumed transport process which will be regulated by several factors (autonomic nervous system, quantity of perfusion, hydrostatic pressure in the blood capillaries, transepithelial active transport by ATP-consumed pump systems). The striated ducts are the functional most important sector of the duct system for a rapid fluid- and electrolyte excretion. The terminal axons of the postganglionic sympathic and parasympathic neurits are characterized by spindle-shaped enlargements (varicosities) which contain neurosecretory granules. In the region of the acinar and intercalated duct cells a direct synaptic contact exists for the stimulation transmission, in the course of which the terminal axon contacts immediately with the effector cell by penetration of the basement membrane. The salivary glands form a part of the stabil tissues with reversible postmitotic cells in regard of the tissue regeneration. Under pathological conditions (inflammations, impediment of secretion fluid, radiation effects etc.) metaplasias and proliferations of the duct system arise with development of indifferent duct formations analogous to the type of an embryonal salivary gland. The terminal zone between intercalated and striated ducts represents an indifferent zone with large regeneratory potency. A special behaviour shows the myoepithelial cells which are developed as well to the outside of primitive embryonic duct buds as differentiated intercalated and striated ducts. Morphologically three types of diseases can be classified in the salivary glands: sialadenosis, sialadenitis and tumours.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)