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Cellular composition including lymphocyte subsets in preterm and full term human colostrum and milk
N Jain1, N B Mathur, V K Sharma
1Department of Paediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India.
Acta Paediatrica Scandinavica
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Preterm breast milk contains significantly higher immune cells, including T cells and B cells, compared to full-term breast milk. This cellular difference may impact infant immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Nutrition
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human breast milk composition varies significantly based on gestational term.
- Colostrum and mature milk contain diverse immune cells crucial for infant development.
- Understanding cellular differences in milk from mothers of preterm vs. full-term infants is vital for neonatal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the cellular composition of colostrum and mature milk between mothers delivering preterm and full-term infants.
- To quantify lymphocyte subsets (T cells, B cells, T4, T8) in breast milk based on gestational term.
- To investigate potential differences in immune cell counts and ratios that could influence infant immunity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of colostrum and mature milk samples from 40 mothers (20 preterm, 20 full-term).
- Quantification of total cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes using cell counting.
- Identification and enumeration of lymphocyte subsets (T cells, B cells, T4, T8) via indirect immunoperoxidase staining with monoclonal antibodies.
Main Results:
- Preterm colostrum had significantly higher total cell counts (9,338/mm3) than full-term colostrum (5,594/mm3).
- Macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes were significantly elevated in preterm colostrum and milk compared to full-term samples.
- Absolute counts of T, B, T4, and T8 cells were higher in preterm colostrum, though relative proportions remained similar. The T4/T8 ratio was higher in preterm colostrum but not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Breast milk from mothers of preterm infants exhibits a higher concentration of immune cells compared to that of full-term infants.
- While absolute cell counts differ, the relative distribution of lymphocyte subsets in breast milk is consistent across preterm and full-term deliveries.
- These findings highlight potential nutritional and immunological advantages of preterm breast milk for preterm infants.