Effect of nandrolone decanoate on Sjögren's syndrome like disorders in NZB/NZW mice.

The effects of 2.5-40 mg/kg nandrolone decanoate (ND) on the development and growth of mononuclear cell infiltrations in the submandibular glands of NZB/W (B/W) mice have been studied using a quantitative histological method. Injections with ND for 9 months, once every 3 weeks, starting at 4 weeks of age, reduced the number and total area of infiltrations in submandibular glands of female and castrated male B/W mice. Since ND has relatively weak virilizing properties, this substance may be useful for the treatment of Sjögren's syndrome in humans.