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Increases of IgA milk concentrations correlate with IgA2 increment
V Trégoat1, P Montagne, M C Béné
1GRIP, Immunology Laboratory, Faculty of Medecine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy Cedex, France. Virginie.Tregoat@grip.u-nancy.fr
Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis
|April 6, 2001
Summary
Human milk contains Immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgA1, and IgA2, which decrease significantly over lactation. Higher IgA2 levels in colostrum may protect newborns from pathogens and regulate gut microflora.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Human Lactation Biology
Background:
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is a crucial antibody in mucosal immunity.
- Human milk provides passive immunity to newborns through various components, including IgA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify Immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgA1, and IgA2 concentrations in human milk across different lactation stages.
- To investigate the correlation between IgA subclasses and total IgA levels.
- To explore the potential role of IgA2 in neonatal protection.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of IgA, IgA1, and IgA2 using immunonephelometry.
- Analysis of 81 defatted human milk samples from colostrum, transitional, and mature milk phases.
- Statistical analysis to determine correlations and significant differences between milk types.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations were observed between total IgA levels and IgA1/IgA2 concentrations (P < 0.0001).
- IgA, IgA1, and IgA2 concentrations markedly decreased from colostrum to transitional and mature milk (P < 0.05).
- IgA2 concentrations exceeded IgA1 levels when total IgA was high, particularly in colostrum.
Conclusions:
- Human milk IgA levels, including subclasses IgA1 and IgA2, decline significantly throughout lactation.
- Elevated colostral IgA2 may serve as a protective mechanism against pathogens and aid in neonatal gut microbiota regulation.