Immunoglobulin A response of the bovine fetus and neonate to Escherichia coli.

The chronologic appearance of immunoglobulin (Ig) A-containing plasma cells and their distribution and numbers in the intestinal tract, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes were determined in beef calves inoculated in utero with Escherichia coli O26-K60:NM bacterin or with saline solution. Secondary responses were assessed by oral revaccination or by challenge exposure to live E coli. Specific immunofluorescent procedures were used to count IgA-containing plasma cells. Appreciable numbers of IgA-containing plasma cells were seen in in utero-vaccinated calves at birth. Oral vaccination or challenge exposure with E coli increased the number of plasma cells. The caudal part of the jejunum and the ileum and related lymph nodes had more IgA-containing cells than any of the other tissues examined. In revaccinated and challenge exposed calves, the spleen was especially active in the formation of IgA-containing plasma cells. The results indicate that the entire small intestine, the draining lymph nodes, and the spleen were involved in IgA formation in these young calves. Age as a factor in IgA production was seen in the control calves which had no indication of IgA-containing cells before 9 days of age. None of the in utero-vaccinated calves at birth or at necropsy had evidence of IgA in serum.