Abnormal Dental Tissue Phenotype in Sjogren Syndrome Mouse Model C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2

Objectives: Sjogren's Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own self primarily salivary glands and lacrimal glands. Its main target is moisture-producing areas of the body leading to dryness in various tissues. The most common symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome include dry eyes, xerostomia, and fatigue. Transforming growth factor-B (TGF-B) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) are involved in various aspects of immune regulation and tissue repair. Their dysregulation contributes to the characteristic features of the disease. Our focus is on the effects within the oral cavity that produce xerostomia and dental decay as it relates to bone growth and development within the mouth using C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2 mouse model and to determine in more detail the morphology of the NOD Mouse model through specific staining methods.
Methods: The mouse model C57BL/6.NODAec1Aec2 mouse strain was produced by crossing C57BL/6. NODc3 mice carrying Idd3 (Autoimmune exocrinopathy 1 (Aec1)) locus and C57BL/6.NODc1t mice carrying Idd5(Aec2) locus. Micro-computed tomography imaging was used to study phenotypic defects in mouse model study. Tissue samples were sectioned, stained, and used for analysis through H&E staining, PSR staining, IHC Immunofluorescence with Antibody, and RNAScope Immunofluorescence.
Results: The NOD Mouse model showed unusual phenotypes in the incisor, molar, cementum, and condyle in control compared to Sjs disease state. H&E staining showed unorganized and decreased ameloblast maturation in the disease mouse model. PSR staining emphasized the dentin, pulp, and odontoblasts decrease using type I collagen staining red/yellow. IHC Immunofluorescence with Antibody and RNA Scope with Immunofluorescence, protein, and target-specific RNA levels were measured using specific gene markers that showed decreased levels in the disease mouse model.
Conclusions: Using specific staining methods, gene markers, and imaging tools results showed abnormal dental phenotype and specific areas within the NOD mouse model with decreased levels of cells specific to the area.