Body immunological reactivity in patients with chronic nontumorous diseases of the parotid salivary glands

: Examinations of 81 patients and 30 healthy donors have revealed a variety of immunologic disturbances in different forms of chronic nontumorous conditions of the parotid glands. Lymphocyte sensitization to salivary gland antigens was observed in all the patients, but was the most marked in those with Sjogren's disease. The studies permit considering the detected shifts in the immunity system an important component of the pathogenesis of chronic nontumorous diseases of the parotid glands. These findings may be useful in the differential diagnosis, prognosis, and adequate therapy of salivary gland diseases.