Characterization and bioactivities of a novel polysaccharide obtained from Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis

ABSTRACT Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis is a type of red alga that contains seaweed polysaccharide agar. In this study, a novel non-agar seaweed polysaccharide fraction named GCP (short of crude polysaccharide obtained from Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis) was isolated from Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis. Structural analysis showed that GCP shows triple helical chain conformation when dissolved in water and has many branches and long side chains. Also, 1→3 linkage is the major linkage and the sugar structures are galactopyranose configurations linked by β-type glycosidic linkages. Two macromolecular substance fractions (GCP-1 and GCP-2) were purified by DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow column chromatography. Moreover, a splenocyte damage assay and splenocyte proliferation assay were used to analyse the bioactivities of GCP, GCP-1 and GCP-2. It was demonstrated that polysaccharides could protect splenocyte damaged by H2O2; GCP-2 shows a greatest protection rate, that is, 92.8%, which significantly enhanced the splenocyte proliferation, and GCP showed the highest proliferation rate, 9.30%. The results suggested that this type of novel non-agar polysaccharide displayed remarkable antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities and early alkali treatment could decrease the activities. It may represent a potential material for health food and clinical medicines.

Expanded Endoscopic Transnasal Approach to the Chordoid Glioma of the Third Ventricle : The First Case Ever Reported

Chordoid glioma of the third ventricle is a rare and challenging tumor to surgery because of its unique anatomical location and its close juxtaposition to the neurovascular structures and hypothalamus. The authors report a case of chordoid glioma of the third ventricle in a 43-year-old woman, who presented with headache and somnolence. The tumor was approached by endoscopic transnasal technique with a favorable result. Histopathologic examination disclosed a neoplastic tissue composed of eosinophilic epithelioid cells, mucinous, periodic acid Schiff-diastase positive, extracellular matrix, and scattered lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates. The best treatment option remains controversial. Customarily, the surgical route to remove chordoid glioma is transcranial; however, the undersurface of the optic chiasm and optic nerves preclude an adequate surgical visualization. In contrast, an expanded endoscopic transnasal approach provides a direct midline corridor to this region without any brain retraction.

A Case of Disseminated Cryptococcosis Mimicking Lung Cancer and Prostate Cancer in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Review of the Literature / 대한내과학회지

Cryptococcosis can occur in immunocompetent patients; in fact, it accounts for 20% of all cryptococcal infections. In immunocompetent patients, although clinical symptoms may not be obvious, cryptococcosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for cancer and other diseases. We recently encountered a case of disseminated cryptococcosis involving the lung and prostate. A 71-year-old male patient was referred for evaluation of a large pleural effusion. He was a 40 pack-years ex-smoker, and showed no evidence of immunodeficiency. Chest computed tomography and positron emission tomography images suggested primary lung cancer with pleural metastases and prostate cancer. Tuberculous pleurisy was suspected due to a lymphocyte-dominant exudative pleural effusion and high level of adenosine deaminase. Prostate and bronchoscopic biopsies demonstrated chronic granulomatous inflammation, and periodic acid Schiff's and Grocott's methenamine silver staining confirmed cryptococcosis in both specimens. Antifungal therapy with fluconazole was started, and follow-up images showed complete resolution of the pleural effusion.

Innervation of submandibular and sublingual glands in elderly donated cadavers: a preliminary histological study of differences in nerve morphology between mucous and serous acini / 대한해부학회지

We examined morphological differences between the sublingual and submandibular glands with special reference to their innervation. The sublingual gland contained abundant periodic acid Schiff-positive mucous acini: some lobules were composed of purely mucous acini, while others were purely serous or mixed. However, in the submandibular gland, the area of mucous acini was very limited. Notably, in the sublingual gland, immunohistochemistry for neuron-specific enolase demonstrated that the serous acini carried a higher density of nerve elements than the mucous acini. However, no such difference was evident in the submandibular gland, possibly due to the small areas of the mucous acini. In both types of gland, neuronal nitric oxide synthase-positive parasympathetic nerves as well as tyrosine hydroxylase-positive sympathetic nerves were observed in the interlobular tissue, but we were unable to trace these thin fibers to the acini. Myoepithelial cells expressed smooth muscle actin, but were negative for S100B protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein and neuron-specific enolase. However, antibody against S100A stained some of the myoepithelial cells and ductal cells in the sublingual gland. Cells positive for peripheral myelin protein 22 were seen in some of the ductal cells in the submandibular gland, but not in the sublingual gland. Therefore, with regard to the neurogenic features of the gland cells, S100B reactivity might disappear first in postnatal life, whereas S100A reactivity is likely to remain as aging progresses. The sublingual gland in elderly individuals seems to provide a good model for comparison of the nerve supply between mucous and serous acini.

A Case of Cutaneous Mucormycosis Occurring after Systemic Steroid Therapy / 대한의진균학회지

Cutaneous mucormycosis is a rare disease caused by zygomycetes such as Rhizomucor, Mucor, Absidia, and Rhizopus. The disease usually occurs in immunocompromised individuals, and the organism is rarely pathogenic in an immunocompetent host. Herein, we report a 77-year-old female patient who had multiple erythematous papules and pustules on the left 3rd finger. She had received systemic steroid therapy prior to the occurrence of the skin lesions. The histopathological examination of Periodic Acid Schiff stained section showed chronic granulomatous inflammation and fungal hyphae. Rhizopus species was isolated on the fungal culture of the tissue specimen. The patient was finally diagnosed with cutaneous mucormycosis and was treated with itraconazole.

Papular Xanthoma in a Child / 대한피부과학회지

Papular xanthoma is a rare normolipemic xanthomatous skin disease that primarily occurs in adults. While this rare disorder has been documented in children before, all but one case reported in the literature involved a normal lipid profile. The skin lesions of adult papular xanthoma appear to be persistent, whereas in children they generally self-heal within 1~5 years. Here, we describe a typical case of papular xanthoma in a 22-month-old boy who presented with numerous reddish-yellow papulonodules, 2~8 mm in diameter, mainly on the face, but also on the upper and lower extremities, and trunk, for 15 months. The lipid profile was normal, and histological studies showed a diffuse monomorphous infiltrate of foamy cells, with some Touton giant cells, in the dermis. The foamy cells stained positive for Cluster of Differentiation (CD) 68, and the Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) stain was negative. These findings are consistent with the diagnosis of papular xanthoma.

Synthesis and identification of rutin complete antigen and analysis its immunogenicity / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Synthesis and identification of complete antigen of rutin, the traditional Chinese medicine active ingredient, and develop rapid detection of rutin using enzyme-linked immunoassay method (ELISA). Immunogenicity of the complete antigen was also studied.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Prepare the complete antigen by sodium periodate solution and identified by UV scanning and SDS-PAGE test. Male New Zealand white rabbits were immunized by the antigen to obtain the antiserum.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The results of UV analysis showed that the coupling ratio of complete antigen is 13: 1. SDS-PAGE display of the artificial antigen was delayed compared with bovine serum protein. The titer of rutin antibody is 1:4 000. The sensitivity of IC50 was 5.37 mg x L(-1), the lowest detection limit was 1 mg x L(-1), the average recovery was 102%, the intra and interspecific RSD were less than 10%, cross-reactivity rate of antibodies and other analogs were less than 1%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rutin complete antigen was synthesized successfully, and the rapid detection of rutin by ELISA method was successfully established.</p>

A Case of Clear Cell Basal Cell Carcinoma / 대한피부과학회지

Clear cell basal cell carcinoma is a rare histological variant of basal cell carcinoma, which is characterized by a variable component of clear cells. We report a case of clear cell basal cell carcinoma in a 53-year-old Caucasian male presented with a red 0.7x0.6 cm sized nodule with central bleeding on left cheek for 2 years. Histological examinations showed multiple dermal tumor lobules nested with basaloid cells of a peripheral palisading pattern. In addition, prominent clear cell changes were observed in the center of large nests. The clear cells showed a single large vacuole in their eosinophilic and granular cytoplasm with eccentric condensed nucleus. The clear tumor cells was stained with periodic acid Schiff and showed incomplete diastase-resistance. Intercellular mucin staining with alcian blue was positive. The tumor was successfully treated with Mohs micrographic surgery and no recurrence has been observed for 6 months.

Possibility of Undifferentiated Human Thigh Adipose Stem Cells Differentiating into Functional Hepatocytes

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the possibility of isolating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from human thigh adipose tissue and the ability of human thigh adipose stem cells (HTASCs) to differentiate into hepatocytes. METHODS: The adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were isolated from thigh adipose tissue. Growth factors, cytokines, and hormones were added to the collagen coated dishes to induce the undifferentiated HTASCs to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. To confirm the experimental results, the expression of hepatocyte-specific markers on undifferentiated and differentiated HTASCs was analyzed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemical staining. Differentiation efficiency was evaluated using functional tests such as periodic acid schiff (PAS) staining and detection of the albumin secretion level using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The majority of the undifferentiated HTASCs were changed into a more polygonal shape showing tight interactions between the cells. The differentiated HTASCs up-regulated mRNA of hepatocyte markers. Immunocytochemical analysis showed that they were intensely stained with anti-albumin antibody compared with undifferentiated HTASCs. PAS staining showed that HTASCs submitted to the hepatocyte differentiation protocol were able to more specifically store glycogen than undifferentiated HTASCs, displaying a purple color in the cytoplasm of the differentiated HTASCs. ELISA analyses showed that differentiated HTASCs could secrete albumin, which is one of the hepatocyte markers. CONCLUSIONS: MSCs were islolated from human thigh adipose tissue differentiate to heapatocytes. The source of ADSCs is not only abundant abdominal adipose tissue, but also thigh adipose tissue for cell therapy in liver regeneration and tissue regeneration.

Effect of ascorbic acid on glycation level in diabetic condition

Diabetes is a serious metabolic disorder that results in significant morbidity and mortality. Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycaemia resulting in various short-term metabolic changes in lipid and protein metabolism and long-term irreversible vascular changes. In this study, effect of ascorbic acid on glycation was investigated. Experimental Study. Allied Hospital and National Hospital, Faisalabad. were performed by using normal and diabetic plasma. Samples were incubated for 5 weeks at 37 °C temperature and varying concentrations of glucose and vitamin C. Two glycation assays [Thioarbituric acid and Periodate] were used to measure and compare the glycation level. The results indicated that increase in glycation was observed from 1[st] to 3[rd] week of incubation and it was decreased after 5[th] week due to the formation of advanced glycation end products. With three concentrations of ascorbic acid variable responses were observed however, it was observed all three concentrations were responsible to increase glycation. Ascorbic acid will facilitate glycation in hyperglycaemia condition and Periodate borohydride proved itself more reliable and sensitive glycation assays than TEA test

Glycation inhibition activity of 5-Sulfosalicyclic acid in diabetic condition

To study the glycation inhibition effect of Sulfosalicyclic acid. The study was conducted by using plasma from apparently healthy non diabetic and diabetic persons. Samples of different concentrations of glucose and inhibitor were incubated for 5 weeks at 37°C temperature. Glucose was estimated by glucose oxidase kit method before and after dialysis. Glycation level was assessed and measured by TBAand periodate assays. Increase in glycation was observed from 1[st] to 3[rd] week of incubation while it was decreased after 5[th] week due to formation of advanced glycation end products. Three different concentrations of inhibitor showed variable responses. It was also noted that 10 mM concentration of Sulfosalicyclic acid exhibited fairly good response to decrease glycation. Highest concentration of Sulfosalicyclic acid produced overall high level of inhibition. Periodate borohydride proved to be more reliable and sensitive glycation assay when compared to TBA test

Bronchial Brushing Cytologic Finding of Primary Pulmonary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Misinterpretated as Small Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report with Literature Review

An adenoid cystic carcinoma is a very rare primary pulmonary neoplasm. Bronchial washing and brushing cytological findings of pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma have rarely been described. Here, we report the bronchial brushing cytological findings of an adenoid cystic carcinoma, finally diagnosed in a 71-year-old female patient. The low-power view showed moderate cellularity and cohesive clusters of small to medium-sized cells. The high-power view revealed distinct nuclear moldings, a coarse chromatin pattern, and inconspicuous nucleoli, which was favorable to a diagnosis of small cell carcinoma. However, apoptotic bodies, nuclear debris, and mitoses were not seen frequently. The bronchial biopsy showed solid, trabecular, and cribriform patterns in small cells. Periodic acid Schiff staining disclosed globular basement membrane-like materials, and the immunohistochemical staining revealed the presence of myoepithelial cell components, strongly suggestive of a salivary gland type tumor, compatible with an adenoid cystic carcinoma. In this report, we describe the exfoliative cytological features of a pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma with emphasis on some diagnostic pitfalls.

Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis without Papillomatosis / 대한피부과학회지

Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (CRP) was first described as a relatively rare dermatosis. CRP is characterized by slightly hyperkeratotic pigmented papules that are confluent in the center and reticulated at the periphery, located on the neck, abdomen, intermammary, and interscapular regions. Histopathologically, lesions typically reveal orthohyperkeratosis, papillomatosis, and focal acanthosis. A 20-year-old man presented with a 2-year history of slightly pruritic lesions on the chest, abdomen, back, and upper extremities. The lesions were brownish papules and plaques in a reticulated and coalescing pattern. Histologically, a basket-weave pattern of orthohyperkeratosis and mild acanthosis were seen. However, there was no significant papillomatosis, even in multiple sections. Periodic acid Schiff stain was negative for fungi. The patient was treated with doxycycline, 200 mg daily, for 4 weeks. The lesions completely resolved and did not recur during 12 months of follow-up. We report a rare case of CRP without papillomatosis.

A Case of Multiple Recurred Mucinous Eccrine Carcinoma

PURPOSE: Mucinous eccrine carcinoma of the skin is rare skin adnexal malignant tumor, which most commonly occurs in the head and neck regions. This tumor, although rarely metastatic, has a high incidence of local recurrence. We report a case of mucinous eccrine carcinoma developed on the Lt. cheek which was treated by Mohs surgery. METHODS: The patient was a 53-year-old man who showed a palpable skin-colored 1.5 x 1.5cm sized mass on Lt. cheek. We treated it by wide excision, but it recurred several times on the same region. So we finally did the Mohs surgery and full thickness skin graft. RESULTS: The histologic characteristics are large mucinous pools with fibrous septae and clusters of tumor cells. Special stains showed that the mucin was positive reactivity on Periodic acid Schiff. Also the immunocytochemical studies showed a positive reactivity to carcinoembryonic antigen, S-100 protein, cytokeratin-7. Therefore pathologist reported it as a mucinous eccrine carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Authors experienced a rare case of primary mucinous eccrine carcinoma on Lt. cheek which had recurred several times. Because of the high local recurrence rate, we did the Mohs surgery and got an good result. Therefore the early Mohs surgery would be a good choice to primary mucinous eccrine carcinoma.

Doenças do sistema nervoso de bovinos no semiárido nordestino / Diseases of the nervous system of cattle in the semiarid of Northeastern Brazil

Para determinar as doenças que ocorrem no sistema nervoso de bovinos no semiárido nordestino, foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo em 411 necropsias de bovinos realizadas no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, Paraíba, entre janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2008. Dos 411 casos analisados 139 (33,81 por cento) apresentaram alterações clínicas do sistema nervoso e as fichas foram revisadas para determinar os principais achados referentes à epidemiologia, aos sinais clínicos e às alterações macroscópicas e microscópicas. Em 28 (20,14 por cento) casos o diagnóstico foi inconclusivo. As principais enfermidades foram raiva (48,7 por cento dos casos com sinais nervosos), abscessos cerebrais (7,2 por cento) incluindo três casos de abscesso da pituitária, febre catarral maligna (6,3 por cento), botulismo (6,3 por cento), alterações congênitas (4,5 por cento), traumatismo (4,5 por cento), tuberculose (2,7 por cento), tétano (2,7 por cento), infecção por herpesvírus bovino-5 (2,7 por cento), encefalomielite não supurativa (2,7 por cento), intoxicação por Prosopis juliflora (2,7 por cento), status spongiosus congênito de causa desconhecida (1,8 por cento) e polioencefalomalacia (1,8 por cento). Outras doenças diagnosticadas numa única oportunidade (0,9 por cento) foram criptococose, listeriose, encefalite tromboembólica, linfossarcoma, tripanossomíase e babesiose por Babesia bovis.

Diseases of the nervous system of cattle in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil were evaluated by a retrospective study of 411 cattle necropsies performed in the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraíba, from January 2000 to December 2008. Of the 411 cases analyzed, 139 (33.81 percent) were from cattle that presented nervous signs and the records were reviewed to determine the epidemiological, clinical, and macroscopic and histologic main features. Diagnosis was inconclusive in 28 cases (20.14 percent). In cases with diagnosis the main diseases were rabies (48.7 percent of the cases with nervous signs), brain abscesses (7.2 percent) including three cases of pituitary abscesses, malignant catarrhal fever (6.3 percent), botulism (6.3 percent), congenital malformations (4.5 percent), trauma (4.5 percent), tuberculosis (2.7 percent), tetanus (2.7 percent), infection by bovine hervesvirus-5 (2.7 percent), non-suppurative encephalomyelitis (2.7 percent), intoxication by Prosopis juliflora (2.7 percent), congenital status spongiosus of unknown etiology (1.8 percent), and polioencephalomalacia (1.8 percent). Other diseases diagnosed only once (0.9 percent) were cryptococcosis, listeriosis, thromboembolic encephalitis, lymphosarcoma, trypanosso-miasis, and babesiosis by Babesia bovis.

Tinea Imbricata: Case series on three patients in Sarangani, Philippines

The imbricata or Tokelau ringworm is an unusual superficial dermatophytosis caused by the anthropophilic Trichophyton concentricum. Three cases of the Tinea imbricata observed at the Municipal Health Office of Kiamba, Sarangani Province, Philippines are reported in this study. All three patients were from an indigenous ethnic group of Sarangani Province and lived in isolated upland communities. Patient 1 was a 30 year old male, Patient 2 was a 40 year old female, and Patient 3 was a 19 year old female. Lesions lasted - 27 years, - 25 years, and 2 years, respectively. All patients presented with characteristic expensive polycyclic to serpiginous scaling lesions, with areas of sparing. Microscopic examination of skin scrapings prepared with potassium hydroxide revealed the characteristic broad, branched, septate, irregular hyphae. Trichopyton concentricum, the causative agent, was isolated in one of the patients using Mycobiotoc agar. Histopathologic examination on 2 of the patients revealed acute and chronic inflammation, and Periodic Acid Schiff- positive fungal hyphae. All patients were started on Griseofulvin 500mg tab once daily. The case series presented here is the first account of Tinea imbricata in the Philippines since the 1990s.

The Clinical, Histopathologic and Mycologic Characteristics of Dermatophytosis Which were Initially Diagnosed by Skin Biopsies / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Dermatophytosis is sometimes difficult to definitively diagnose if it has atypical clinical characteristics or the mycological tests are negative. For these cases, skin biopsy will be helpful to diagnose a fungal infection. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical, histopathologic and mycologic characteristics of dermatophytosis patients who were initially diagnosed by skin biopsies. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of the clinical characteristics and the histopathologic and mycologic features of 16 patients with dermatophytosis and who were initially diagnosed by skin biopsy. RESULTS: The final diagnosis of dermatophytic infections were tinea incognito (7 cases) and Majocchi's granuloma (9 cases). The main symptoms were pruritus (4 cases) and pain (2 cases). The skin lesions of tinea incognito and Majocchi's granuloma mimicked inflammatory skin disease, lupus vulgaris or deep mycosis. The most common site of involvement was the face. The possible predisposing factors causing tinea incognito and Majocchi's granulomas appeared to be application of steroid ointment (6 cases), physical trauma (2 cases) and diabetes mellitus (1 case). The histopathologic features of tinea incognito revealed the sandwich sign (100%) and neutrophils in the epidermis (71.5%) and dermis (71.5%). Majocchi's granuloma showed rupture of hair follicles (88.9%) and suppurative folliculitis (66.7%). With Periodic acid Schiff and methenamine silver staining, hyphae and spores could be identified on the horny layers, within the hair follicles and/or on the dermis in the biopsy specimens of all the cases. Culture of the causative organisms using dermal fragments and skin scales on Sabouraud media demonstrated Trichophyton rubrum (4 cases), T. mentagrophytes (3 cases) and Microsporum canis (3 cases). Systemic treatment with itraconazole or terbinafine for 2~10 weeks was effective, except for two cases. CONCLUSION: We consider that the histopatholgic findings may be of great help to diagnose a dermatophytosis that has atypical clinical characteristics or negative mycological tests. Fungal culture is also important for making an accurate diagnosis of dermatophytosis.

Human serum antibody reactivity towards Paracoccidioides brasiliensis antigens treated with sodium metaperiodate / Reatividade de anticorpos de soros humanos a antígenos de Paracoccidioides brasiliensis tratados com metaperiodato sódico

In this study, we evaluated the profile of anti-Paracoccidioides brasiliensis immunoglobulin isotypes in serum from patients with the acute and chronic forms of paracoccidioidomycosis, using the whole Paracoccidioides brasiliensis antigen and the antigen treated with sodium metaperiodate. All the immunoglobulin isotypes present in the serum from patients with the acute and chronic forms of paracoccidioidomycosis presented higher reactivity towards the whole antigen than to the antigen treated with metaperiodate (P < 0.05). The reactivity of IgG and IgM to the antigen treated with metaperiodate was greater in serum from patients with the acute form of the disease (P < 0.05), while IgA was more reactive in serum from patients with the chronic form (P < 0.05). There was greater reactivity of IgG1 and IgG2 to the whole antigen and the antigen treated with metaperiodate in the serum from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis than there was in serum from patients with other parasitic infections (P < 0.05). Furthermore, IgG1 from patients with the acute form recognized the 19kDa, 27kDa and 31kDa antigens in the western blot test. Thus, the results suggest that modifications to the epitopes of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis antigens may help to improve the immunodiagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis.

Neste trabalho, foi avaliado o perfil de isotipos de imunoglobulinas anti-Paracoccidioides brasiliensis em soros de pacientes com formas crônica e aguda de paracoccidiodomicoses usando antígeno total e tratado com meta-periodato. Todos os tipos de imunoglobulinas presentes nos soros de pacientes com formas aguda e crônica apresentaram alta reatividade ao antígeno total quando comparado ao tratado com meta-periodato (P < 0,05). Houve maior reatividade de IgG e IgM anti-antígeno tratado com meta-periodato em soros de pacientes com forma aguda da doença (P < 0,05), enquanto IgA foi mais reativa em soros da forma crônica (P < 0,05). Houve maior reatividade de IgG1 e IgG2 com antígeno total e tratado com meta-periodato em soros de pacientes comparados aos com outras parasitoses (P < 0,05). Além disso, IgG1 de pacientes com a forma aguda reconhecem antígenos de 19kDa, 27kDa e 31kDa por western blot. Assim, os resultados sugerem que alterações nos epitopos de antígenos de Paracoccidioides brasiliensis podem auxiliar no aprimoramento do imunodiagnóstico da paracoccidioidomicose.

Immunization of Balb/c mice with modified auto-antigens for induction of autoimmune sialoadenitis

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by sialoadenitis and elevated titers of autoantibodies. To assess whether it is possible to induce inflammatory changes in salivary gland tissues, a series of immunizations in Balb/c mice have been undertaken, using salivary gland extract, modified or not, added to several adjuvants. Mice's humoral immune response to salivary gland antigens was monitored by ELISA. Inflammatory cells infiltrating gland tissue were seen 3 months after immunization with salivary gland extract modified with pepsin (AgGp) and metaperiodate (AgGMp). Although pathological progression was not observed, the histopathological picture was similar to the initial phase of Sjõgren's syndrome. In addition, a monoclonal antibody reactive with 3 gland polypeptides and anhydrase carbonic II was rescued among B cells from immunized mice. Thus, immunizations with modified autoantigens were able to initiate pathological damage to glandular tissue and stimulate the proliferation of auto-reactive B cells.

A Síndrome de Sjögren é uma doença auto-imune caracterizada por desenvolvimento de sialoadenite e títulos elevados de auto-anticorpos. Com o objetivo de induzir alterações inflamatórias no tecido das glândulas salivares foram realizadas várias imunizações em camundongos BALB/c utilizando extratos de glândulas salivares, modificados ou não, em vários adjuvantes. A resposta humoral para antígenos salivares foi monitorada por ELISA. Células inflamatórias infiltrando o tecido glandular foram vistas 3 meses pós-imunização com extrato de glândula salivar modificado com pepsina (AgGp) e metaperiodato (AgGMp). Embora a evolução patológica não tenha sido observada, o quadro histopatológico foi semelhante à fase inicial da Síndrome de Sjõgren. Também foi possível notar, a partir das células B dos animais imunizados, a produção de anticorpos monoclonais reativos com 3 polipeptídeos glandulares e anidrase carbônica II. Assim, a imunização com auto-antígenos glandulares modificados foi capaz de iniciar o processo patológico no tecido glandular e induzir a proliferação de células B produtoras de auto-anticorpos.