PMC

HeLa cells coated coverslips were used as substrate for indirect immunofluorescence. All sera were used at 1:50 dilution and bound IgG antibodies were revealed by goat anti-FITC conjugate. The numbers indicate individual mice. Scale bar is 20µm.

ELISA plates were coated with recombinant mLa-MBP, mRo60-MBP or MBP alone. Sera from terminal bleeds were tested at a 1:100 dilution and bound IgG antibodies were detected. Data are shown as mean ± SEM of absorbance at 450nM.

Representative photomicrographs of SMG gland sections stained with H & E are shown. Arrows indicate a large, and arrowheads indicate small inflammatory foci in alum injected mouse. Scale bar is 50µm. The severity of sialoadenitis was scored on a scale of 0 (no inflammation) to 5 (severe inflammation and gland destruction) and data are represented as mean ± SEM severity score for each group. Alum injected mice have a significantly (p=0.012) higher disease score compared to PBS injected mice Mann-Whitney test was used for statistical analysis.

(A): The mean saliva level in alum treated NZM2758 mice (●, n=15) is significantly lower (p<0.0001; Mann-Whitney test) than that in PBS (○, n=11) treated group. Each data point represents one mouse. (B): In an additional cohort, mice were injected with PBS (n=4) or Alum (n=5) at 0, 4, and 8wk time points and saliva was measured at indicated time points. Compared to day 0, in alum injected mice, a significant drop in saliva production was seen at 8, 13 and 20 wks. Statistical analyses was done by paired t test (*p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001). Analyses by One–way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-test for multiple comparisons showed that the saliva production in alum treated mice was significantly lower than age matched PBS treated group. Data are mean ± SEM saliva volumes for each group.