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[Immunologic factors in human colostrum and milk]
Z Ulcová-Gallová1, P Fialová, V Krauz
1Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika LF UK, Plzen.
Insights
Human colostrum and milk are crucial for infant immunity, providing essential antibodies and factors that protect newborns from pathogens and allergens. Promoting breastfeeding is vital for neonatal health.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Lactation Biology
- Neonatal Health
Context:
- The mammary gland functions as an immunological secretory organ.
- Colostrum and milk contain specific and non-specific immune factors.
- These factors are transmitted to neonates via breastfeeding.
Purpose:
- To analyze and compare the immunological components of human colostrum and milk.
- To quantify levels of various immunoglobulins and other immune factors.
- To assess the immunological significance of colostrum and milk for neonatal protection.
Summary:
- Colostrum and milk samples from 105 mothers were analyzed for immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, IgE) and other immune factor concentrations.
- Colostrum exhibited significantly higher levels of IgG, IgM, IgA, and secretory IgA (sIgA) compared to mature milk.
- Non-specific immunity factors were present in low concentrations; IgD was undetectable.
Impact:
- Human colostrum and milk possess bacteriostatic and inhibitory properties.
- They prevent the entry of pathogens and allergens into the neonatal digestive and respiratory tracts.
- Promoting breastfeeding is essential for leveraging these immunological benefits in neonates.
Background:
The mammary gland is at present conceived as an immunological secretory organ, capable of producing specific and non-specific factors transmitted into colostrum or milk.
Methods And Results:
Colostrum was collected from the 1st to 3rd day after delivery, milk on the 4th to 19th day after delivery. Colostrum from 42 and milk from 63 mothers was examined. Levels of the following were assessed: IgG, IgM, IgD, IgA, sIgA, SCIgA, C3, C4, orosomucoid, prealbumin, alpha 1-antitrypsin, alpha 1-fetoprotein, alpha 2-macroglobulin, haemopexin, haptoglobin, beta 2-microglobulin, alpha 2-AP glycoprotein (methodradial immunodiffusion) and IgE (ELISA). Colostrum contains more IgG, SCIgA, almost three times more IgM, IgA and secretory IgA than milk. IgD was not detected. Factors of non-specific immunity were found only in low concentrations.
Conclusions:
Human colostrum and milk are from the immunological aspect an important liquid with proven bacteriostatic and inhibitory activity preventing penetration of pathogenic microorganisms and absorption of potential allergens into the digestive and respiratory tract of the neonate. From the immunological aspect it is essential to promote breastfeeding.