To investigate the expression of IGF-1 receptors and insulin receptors on the minor salivary gland (MSG) tissues of patients diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and normal salivary gland tissue surrounding mucoceles.
Five MSG tissue sections from SS and seven from mucocele patients were stained immunohistochemically using antibody to IGF-1 receptor and insulin receptor in a horse radish peroxidase and DAB system.
The expression of the insulin receptor was increased in the SS sections compared with controls, while the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor was more intensely expressed in the controls.
The presence of differential expression of receptors for IGF and insulin might suggest a possible role of these growth factors in the pathogenesis of SS.