Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is a retrovirus that influences cellular metabolism modifying biological responses. This results in oncogenic, degenerative or inflammatory changes. The myelopathy associated to HTLV-I or tropical spastic paraparesia (HAM/TSP) is a mainly degenerative response to the virus infection. On the other hand, Sjögren syndrome has an inflammatory appearance. The immunohistochemical study of CD-4, CD-8 and CD45 lymphocytes, metalloproteinase MMP-9 and viral Tax protein in pathological samples of salivary glands may help to differentiate primary from viral Sicca syndrome.
To perform an immunohistochemical study of salivary glands of patients with HAM/TSP and Sicca syndrome and control subjects.
Pathological samples of salivary glands from 53 patients with HAM/TSP and Sicca syndrome and 10 control subjects, were studied. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against CD-4, CD-8 and CD-45 lymphocytes, metalloproteinase MMP-9 and viral Tax protein.
Only in patients with HAM/TSP and Sicca syndrome, the presence of Tax protein was observed in CD-4 and CD-8 lymphocytes and in glandular acini.
Patients infected with HTLV-I express Tax protein in salivary glands. This finding has diagnostic and pathogenic implications.