Two NOD Idd-associated intervals contribute synergistically to the development of autoimmune exocrinopathy (Sjögren's syndrome) on a healthy murine background.

Objective: The NOD mouse is genetically predisposed to the development of at least 2 autoimmune diseases, autoimmune diabetes and autoimmune exocrinopathy (AEC). More than 19 chromosomal intervals (referred to as Idd regions) that contribute to diabetes susceptibility in the NOD mouse model have been identified, but only 2 chromosomal intervals (associated with Idd3 and Idd5) have been shown to control sialadenitis. In the present study, we bred the Idd3 and Idd5 chromosomal intervals from NOD mice into non-autoimmune C57BL/6 mice to determine if these intervals recreate a Sjögren's syndrome (SS)-like phenotype.

Progress in understanding autoimmune exocrinopathy using the non-obese diabetic mouse: an update.

Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by histological and functional alterations of salivary and lacrimal glands that result in a severe dryness of the mouth and the eyes. The etiology of SS has remained undefined despite investigators' significant efforts to identify the mechanisms of initiation. Based on histopathology, several animal models are available--such as MRL/lpr, NZW/NZB, NFS/sld, graft vs.

Sjögren's syndrome: immunological response underlying the disease.

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmnune disorder characterized primarily by the discomforts od dry eyes and dry mouth due to the progressive loss of exocrine gland function. Development of a number of animal models to study Sjögren's syndrome, especially the NOD mouse and its congenic partner strains, has permitted a systematic analysis of immunological and non-immunological factors that influence predisposition for development of the autoimmune response. These data are reviewed here.