| [ Summary ] |
The elevation of levels of serum gamma-globulin, IgG, or IgG4, the presence of autoantibodies, and the beneficial effects of steroid therapy are frequently observed in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis. Among the autoantibodies present, antinuclear, anti-carbonic anhydrase II, anti-lactoferrin antibodies and rheumatoid factor are often detected in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis. HLA-DR4, especially HLA DRB1*0405 - DQB1*0401 haplotype may be related to autoimmune pancreatitis. Histopathological findings indicate immune-mediated inflammation, such as infiltration of eosinophils, B and plasma cells as well as T cells, occasionally occuring in association with lymphoid follicles, and over-expression of HLA-DR antigens on pancreatic exocrine cells. These findings suggest that an autoimmune mechanism against pancreas antigens may be involved in the development of autoimmune pancreatitis. Further studies are necessary to clarify this pathogenesis. |