Willeke P et al. – A pathogenic role of INF-γ in primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is suggested. Whether the RP is immune-mediated or whether INF-γ directly causes vasospasm still remains to be elucidated. Methods
Aim was to determine (i) prevalence of RP in pts with pSS and (ii) to identify clinical and immunological characteristics associated with this manifestation
RP was diagnosed if pSS pts presented with characteristic sequence of skin color changes of the digits
In uncertain cases noninvasive vascular tests were performed by ultrasound
Secretion of INF-γ by peripheral blood mononuclear cells was assessed by ELISA
Expression of different lymphocyte activation markers (CD25, CD45RO, CD69) on CD4+ T-cells by flow cytometric analysis
Results
36/108 pts with pSS had RP
In these pts there was an increased number of INF-γ-secreting peripheral blood mononuclear cells vs pts w/o RP or healthy controls
In pts with RP there was an increased percentage of CD25-positive T-helper cells
An association of leukopenia, thyroiditis, and lower C3 levels with RP in pSS pts was noted
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