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OBJECTIVE: To test the ability of two cationic lipoplexes, Vaxfectin and GAP‐DLRIE/DOPE, to facilitate transfection and elicit immune responses from plasmid DNAs (pDNAs) after retrograde instillation into salivary glands.

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic systemic disease that primarily affects the salivary and lacrimal glands. The pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome is unknown. We hypothesize that reduced somatostatin activity is an important factor in promoting immune dysregulation in patients affected by Sjögren's syndrome. Somatostatin is a multifunctional peptide with potent immunomodulatory properties. Its effects include reduced lymphocytic activity, reduced gastric and intestinal secretions, activation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary axis, and anti‐inflammatory action, all opposite to the general presentation in Sjögren's syndrome. We suggest that the activity of somatostatin is low in patients affected by this disease, and this contributes significantly to the pathology observed.

In general, considerable strength and much realism exist in the model as presented by Dr. McHugh. Progress in biological science is central to any scheme anticipating change in medicine, including dental and oral medicine. In my view, there are two weaknesses in his presentation: 1) a perhaps semantic difference with me over whether dentists should be trained as scientists or as individuals who can use science (fact and process); and 2) a substantive difference as to how to reinforce didactic, basic biomedical science in clinical training.