[Autoimmune diseases of the salivary glands]

The structural and functional features of the salivary glands and their function associated with the immunocompetent system are described. The disturbance of such association, in the author's opinion, is conducive to the development of a peculiar tumour pathology (adenolymphomas) and autoimmune processes (Sjögren syndrome autoimmune parotitis). Based on the data from the literature two forms of this disease are distinguished: (1) a distinct nosological form developing as a result of various exo- and endogenous injuries, and (2) manifestations of other diseases, as a rule, of the autoimmune genesis accompanied by the secondary involvement of the salivary glands. The morphological picture in both forms is identical. It is suggested that in systemic involvement of the salivary, lacrimal and other glands and some autoimmune disease the term "Sjögren syndrome" be used, and the distinct disease be termed "autoimmune parotitis".