Comparative analysis of the subpopulation of immunocompetent cells and the secretory IgA system in neonatal and maternal milk
Chernyshov, V.P.; Slukvin, I.I.; Galanina, I.K.
Biulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny 104(9): 340-342
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0365-9615 PMID: 3499185 Document Number: 305202
To examine the local immunity of the newborn and maternal mammary glands the distribution of regulatory lymphocyte subsets, Ia-positive cells, free secretory component (Sc) and secretory IgA (SIgA) has been studied in maternal and neonatal milk. In the maternal milk there was a positive correlation between the relative number of Ia-positive cells and the level of SIgA, and a reverse correlation between the percentage of cytotoxic (suppressor) cells and free Sc level. No such correlations were observed on the neonatal milk. A high level of It-positive cells in the neonatal milk suggests a high functional activity of the local immunity in the mammary gland of the newborn. A high Sc level and a very low SIgA level were found in the neonatal milk. The relative immaturity and autonomy of the local immunity were observed in the neonatal mammary gland.