Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
08:12
Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets
Published on: September 6, 2019
Sensitisation through breast milk?
1Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Meilahdentie 2, FIN-00250 Helsinki, Finland.
Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology
|July 26, 2011
Summary
Breastfeeding may not prevent food allergies in infants. Human milk composition differs in mothers of allergic infants, with higher eosinophils potentially increasing allergy development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition
Background:
- The role of breastfeeding in preventing infant food allergies is debated.
- Limited research exists on human milk composition in mothers with atopic infants.
- Human breast milk composition is variable and influenced by maternal and infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in human milk cellular composition between mothers of food-allergic and healthy infants.
- To explore the potential impact of these differences on infant allergy development.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of human milk cellular composition.
- Focus on immune cells like monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and macrophages.
- Correlation of milk composition with infant allergy status.
Main Results:
- Human milk from mothers with allergic infants showed significantly higher numbers of monocytes, lymphocytes, and eosinophils.
- A decrease in activated macrophages was observed in the milk of mothers with severely allergic infants.
- Elevated eosinophils may increase gut permeability, enhancing antigen absorption and allergy development.
Conclusions:
- Breast milk composition varies significantly based on infant allergy status.
- High eosinophil counts in breast milk might contribute to food allergy development.
- Formula feeding may be beneficial for infants with severe allergic symptoms on exclusive breastfeeding.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:12The Mammary Glands
The female breast is a hemispheric projection of variable size positioned anterior to the pectoralis major and serratus anterior muscles. A fascia layer composed of dense, irregular connective tissue connects it to these muscles.
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
01:15Transcytosis of IgG
Transcytosis is the process in which molecules are internalized by endocytosis, transported across the cell, and released through exocytosis from the opposite end of the cell. Molecules such as insulin, immunoglobulins, and certain nutrients are transferred through the recycling endosomes by recycling and transcytosis.
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...