Localization of immunoglobulins in intestinal mucosa and the production of secretory antibodies in response to intraluminal administration of bacterial antigens in the preruminant calf.

Immunofluorescent studies of intestinal tissues from young preruminant calves demonstrate the presence of two main populations of immunocytes synthesizing IgA and IgM. These cells had infiltrated the lamina propria of the intestine as early as 4 days of age. There was little evidence of any significant involvement of IgG1 in intestinal immune synthesis of calves at this age although activity was demonstrable in the ileum and colon of one calf. In general there were more IgG2-synthesizing cells than IgG1, but these were few compared with the main populations of IgA and IgM cells. Local antigenic stimulus to the intestinal mucosa of young fistulated calves using extracts of heat-killed Gram-negative bacteria produced antibody in the secretions over a period of approximately 3 weeks. A second administration of a similar antigenic dose produced a similar response indicating the requirement for continuous stimuli to maintain a measurable level of antibody secretion. Gel filtration and antiglobulin assays indicated that the antibacterial activity was predominantly associated with IgA and that IgM also played a significant role. Oral administration of bacterial antigens to colostrum-fed calves from 5 to 8 days of age produced a faecal antibody response, indicating that intestinal secretion could be successfully interrelated with the declining passive antibody to maintain an almost continuous level of intestinal antibody in early life.