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Defective immunocompetence in foetal undernutrition
Helvetica Paediatrica Acta
|October 1, 1976
Summary
Small-for-date infants show reduced B-cells and T-cells compared to newborns. While humoral immunity is impacted, cellular immunity (lymphocyte response to phytohaemagglutinin) is largely preserved in these infants.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Research
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Small-for-date infants often exhibit altered physiological development.
- Immune system maturation is crucial for infant health and survival.
- Understanding immune function in small-for-date infants is vital for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess humoral and cellular immunity in small-for-date infants.
- To compare immune cell counts and function against appropriate birth weight newborns.
- To identify potential immune deficiencies in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated immunoglobulin (Ig)-bearing lymphocytes (B-cells) in peripheral blood.
- Assessed rosette-forming cells (T-cells) in peripheral blood.
- Measured lymphocyte response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in Ig-positive cells (B-cells) was observed.
- A significant decrease in E-rosettes (T-cells) was found compared to controls.
- Lymphocyte response to PHA stimulation was impaired in only a minority of cases.
Conclusions:
- Small-for-date infants have demonstrably lower levels of B-cells and T-cells.
- Humoral immunity appears compromised in small-for-date infants.
- Cellular immunity, as indicated by PHA response, is relatively intact in most small-for-date infants.