Salivary immunoglobulins in diseases affecting salivary glands

Inflammatory disorders of the salivary glands cause marked abnormalities in secretion of immunoglobulins. The changes are reversible, however, in a relatively short period of time. More subtle changes in immunoglobulin transport are present in such diseases as Sjogren's syndrome and diabetes. No changes are discernable in alcoholic cirrhosis. Apparently salivary gland basement membranes are much more resistant to derangement than plasma membranes and the secretory IgA system can continue to operate in the face of numerous affronts. If nothing else these findings suggest that vaccination procedures in the region of the salivary glands may produce an inflammatory response, but it would be readily reversible. In addition, one could anticipate a functioning s-IgA system even in salivary glands with alterations in electrolyte transport. It is difficult to anticipate the situation in immunologically compromised patients, such as those on hemodialysis. Fortunately these patients represent a small population and for them at least, caries is a relatively minor concern.