Characterize two properties of endocrine glands that render them susceptible to autoimmune attack

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

First, endocrine glands synthesize tissue-specific proteins unique to that gland. These proteins are not normally found in primary lymphoid organs where lymphocyte maturation occurs. Hence, the population of T and B lymphocytes is not tolerant to some endocrine gland-specific proteins, and these self proteins are thus recognized as foreign antigens. Second, endocrine glands are highly vascularized because their products need to gain access to the circulation. This feature gives leukocytes relatively easy access to endocrine tissue.