Peptide‐containing nerves in labial salivary glands in sjögren's syndrome

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Abstract
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.