Experimental allergic sialoadenitis. IX. The regional lymph nodes after antigenic challenges of the parotid glands in rats.

Abstract

The regional lymph nodes of the parotid gland of rats were examined histologically. The nodes were removed from untreated animals or rats given instillations of BSA or saline into the parotid duct. Anti-BSA antibodies were assessed in the saliva and serum. Patterns of reactivity of the lymph nodes did not correlate with the presence or absence of salivary and serum antibodies. The occurrence of antibodies in the saliva appears to reflect the activity of immunocytes residing in the parotid gland. The morphological features of the lymph nodes correspond to the overall immunological experience.