Activation of innate immune responses through Toll-like receptor 3 causes a rapid loss of salivary gland function.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recent studies have demonstrated the expression of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) in salivary glands and epithelial cell lines derived from Sjögren's syndrome (SS) patients. As viral infections are considered to be a trigger for SS, in this study we investigated whether in vivo engagement of TLR3 affects salivary gland function.

Methods

Female New Zealand Black/WF1 mice were repeatedly injected with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)]. TLR3 expression within submandibular glands was studied using immunohistochemistry. RNA levels of inflammatory cytokines in the submandibular glands were determined by real time polymerase chain reaction. Pilocarpine induced saliva volume was used as an index of glandular function.

Results

Immunohistochemical analysis of

SUBMITTER: Deshmukh US 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2763314 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature