Previous Section
Introduction to Sjogren's Syndrome
Causes of Sjogren's Syndrome
Biopsies of the salivary glands of patients with Sjogren's syndrome have shown that while only 50-60% of glandular tissue is destroyed, the symptoms of dry mouth and dry eye are as severe as if there was only minimal healthy tissue remaining. This puzzle has led some scientists to theorize that some aspect of the immune cells that are produced impair the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and that this may account for the cessation or severe reduction of saliva or tear production even in the presence of healthy glandular tissue.
