Basic Immunology
Protective effects of leflunomide on salivary function of submandibular gland in NOD mice
Yang Chao, Zheng Xu, Yang Xiaoxiao, Wang Guosheng, Li Xiangpei, Li Xiaomei
Published 2020-03-31
Cite as Chin J Microbiol Immunol, 2020, 40(3): 211-217. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112309-20191016-00330
Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects of leflunomide on salivary gland secretion hypofunction in NOD mice with Sjogren′s syndrome.
MethodsNOD mice were randomly divided into four groups: prevention group, prevention control group, treatment group and treatment control group. Salivary flow rate was measured after pilocarpine stimulation. Changes in the average number and area of infiltrating lesions were compared after hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The percentages of CD3+ T, CD4+ T, CD8+ T, CD44+ CD62L-CD4+ T, CD19+ B and CD138+ B cells in submandibular gland and spleen were detected by flow cytometry. The levels of TNF-α, IL-17A and IL-6 in serum were detected by CBA method.
ResultsThe salivary flow rate (t=-5.81, P<0.001; t=-3.61, P<0.05), the number of infiltrating lesions(t=3.95, P<0.01; t=4.94, P<0.001)and the average area of infiltrating lesions(t=3.18, P<0.05; t=2.35, P<0.05)were significantly ameliorated in the prevention and treatment groups. Moreover, CD3+ CD4+ T cells(t=2.39, P<0.05; t=3.82, P<0.01)and CD44+ CD62L-CD4+ T cells(t=3.53, P<0.05; t=3.36, P<0.05)in the submandibular gland were significantly decreased. CD3+ T(t=6.08, P<0.001; t=2.76, P<0.05), CD3+ CD4+ T (t=3.73, P<0.05; t=2.39, P<0.05), CD19+ B (t=5.88, P<0.001; t=4.23, P<0.01) and CD138+ B cells (t=4.30, P<0.001; t=4.46, P<0.01) in the spleen were also significantly reduced. Serum IL-17A (t=4.15, P<0.01; t=3.36, P<0.01) in the two groups and TNF-α (t=4.56, P<0.001) in the prevention group were down-regulated, but no significant difference was observed in IL-6 level.
ConclusionsThis study suggested that leflunomide could prevent and improve salivary gland hypofunction and inhibit immune activation in NOD mice, providing reference for evaluating leflunomide in the treatment of Sjogren′s syndrome.
Key words:
Sjogren′s syndrome; Leflunomide; NOD mice; Salivary gland function; Lymphocyte; Inflammatory cytokine
Contributor Information
Yang Chao
Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
Zheng Xu
Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
Yang Xiaoxiao
Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
Wang Guosheng
Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
Li Xiangpei
Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
Li Xiaomei
Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China