[A histopathologic study on lacrimal gland in Sjögren's syndrome]

Biopsy specimens of palpebral lacrimal glands from 15 cases of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy. Six cases without any symptoms or signs of dry eyes were used as the control. The main changes of SS included: (1) massive infiltration of lymphocytes; (2) atrophy of lacrimal glandular follicles and ducts in various degrees; (3) degeneration and necrosis of glandular epithelium; and (4) proliferation of connective tissue. Lymphatic infiltration indicates that the damage of the glandular tissue might be related to autoimmune pathogenesis. According to the histopathologic findings, the authors divide SS into three stages which are basically consistent with their clinical presentations.