In vivo IgG deposits and reduced density of Langerhans cells in the surface epithelium of cervix uteri of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Intraepithelial IgG deposits have previously been demonstrated in epidermis and oral labial mucosal epithelium of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. IgG has been shown to be located to cell surface membranes predominantly of OKT6 positive Langerhans cells (LC), which moreover are decreased in number in epidermis of these patients. In biopsies of cervix uteri from 17 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and 21 controls, the mucosal membrane was examined with a direct immunofluorescence technique, for in vivo deposits of immunoglobulins, fibrinogen and C3c in the stratified squamous epithelium. Epithelial deposits of IgG, similar to that found in skin and oral labial mucosa, were demonstrated in 4/17 patients, but in none of the controls. No deposits of IgM, IgA, fibrinogen or C3c were found in the biopsies from either patients or controls. OKT6 positive mucosal LC were demonstrated with an indirect immunofluorescence technique, and enumerated in vertical sections. The density of epithelial LC was found to be decreased in patients (p less than 0.05) as compared to controls. No correlation was found between presence of IgG deposits and density of LC, in agreement with the findings in skin of these patients.