New knowledge in human milk immunoglobulin

Abstract

One of the anti-infection principles of maternal milk is the predominant milk immunoglobulin, secretory IgA. This immunoglobulin contains antibodies against many pathogens and potential pathogens, viruses as well as bacteria, including several members of Enterobacteriacae. The antigenic stimuli for these milk antibodies seem to take place in the Peyer's patches of the intestine. Lymphoid cells leaving the patches after antigenic exposure seem to home to the mammary glands via the lymph and blood circulation. As a result, the milk contains secretory IgA antibodies against, among other things, the intestinal bacteria of the mother. These milk antibodies might reflect the spectrum of bacteria and viruses in the community and may be important for the protection of the breast-fed baby. Via the same homing mechanism the maternal milk obtains antibodies against dietary antigens, including cow's milk proteins. Studies of infants on mixed feeding suggest that the secretory IgA antibodies against the bovine proteins diminish the antigenic exposure, indicating the possibility of an anti-allergic mechanism.

PIP: It has been discovered through various studies that human milk protects infants against infections. 1 of the antiinfection elements of maternal milk is the main milk immunoglobin, secretory IgA, which contains antibodies against many pathogens and potential pathogens, viral as well as bacterial. The antigenic stimuli for these milk antibodies seem to occur in the Peyer's patches of the intestine. Lymphoid cells which leave the patches after antigenic exposure seem to home to the mammary glands through the lymph and blood circulatory systems. It, thus, results that the milk contains secretory IgA antibodies against the intestinal bacteria of the mother, as well as other substances. The mechanism for production and the mode of function of the secretory IgA is explained in detail and diagrammed. Subcutaneous vaccination with a cholera vaccine has been shown to induce an increase in SIgA antibodies in milk and saliva. Breast-feeding, it is believed, largely eliminates possible allergens and provides antibodies to protect against the allergens of mixed feeding.