Relative of Th cytokines in MRL/Ipr mice——a model for idiopathic dacryoadenitis / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To determine the distribution of IL-4, IL-17, IFN-γ in the lacrimal gland lesions and submaxillary lymph nodes of MRL/Ipr mice-a model for idiopathic dacryoadenitis, and investi-gate the possible role of T-belper cells in the disease. Methods Frozen sections of lacrimal glands and sub-maxillary lymph nodes from MRL/lpr and BALB/c mice age 3 months were stained with antibodies to the cy-tokines IL-4, IL-17 and IFN-γ, then calculated the numbers or proportions of positive cells respectively,double staining for CD4 and each cytokine was taken in lymph nodes of MRL/Ipr mice additionally. Results The major cytokine in lacrimal gland lesions is IL-4, which contrasts to little IL-17 or IFN-γ/stained(P <0.05), the numbers of cells staining for each cytokine in submaxillary lymph nodes elevate in MRL/lpr mice, and the expressions of IL-4 and IL-17 are greater than IFN-γ significantly. Conclusion Th2 may play an important role in the development of local dacryoadenitis and systemic abnormality in MRL/lpr mice,the role of IL-17 maybe different in lacrimal gland lesions and lymph nodes which need more research.