Inhibition of lacteal leukocyte phagocytosis by colostrum, nonlactating secretion, and mastitic milk.

The Fc receptors on leukocytes obtained from normal milk, colostrum, nonlactating gland secretion, and mastitic milk were detected by rosette formation, using sensitized erythrocytes. The percentage of leukocytes bearing Fc receptors from normal milk was significantly (P less than 0.01) greater than that from other secretions. Fc receptors were found primarily on polymorphonuclear leukocytes from normal milk, mastitic milk, and colostrum. However, in nonlactating gland secretion obtained 6 weeks after milking was completed, Fc receptors were predominantly on macrophages. The low percentage of leukocytes bearing Fc receptors obtained from colostrum, nonlactating gland secretion obtained 7 days after milking was completed, and mastitic milk was associated with the presence of a blocking factor in these secretions, which specifically attached to Fc receptors. These secretions significantly (P less than 0.01) blocked the Fc receptors on leukocytes from normal milk and on other cells bearing FC receptors. The presence of Fc receptors on leukocytes obtained from normal milk was related to a high percentage of phagocytizing leukocytes through Fc receptors and a large number of phagocytized bacteria (phagocytic activities). In contrast, the low percentage of leukocytes bearing Fc receptors from colostrum, from nonlactating gland secretion (7 days after milking), and from mastitic milk was associated with depressed phagocytic activities. Preincubation of leukocytes from normal milk with whey from colostrum, nonlactating gland secretion (7 days after milking), and mastitic milk significantly (P less than 0.01) inhibited phagocytosis. This effect was associated with the blocking of Fc receptors by these secretions. Possible mechanisms for and implications of these findings are discussed.