Enhanced immunoglobulin, A release from human colostral cells during phagocytosis.

Human colostral leukocytes were investigated for their ability to release immunoglobulin A during phagocytosis of latex particles, heat-killed Candida albicans, or live Escherichia coli. Leukocytes readily phagocytosed latex or serum-opsonized candida or the E. coli. Colostral fluid was also opsonic for yeast and bacteria. Immunoglobulin release, which consisted mainly of secretory immunoglobulin A, began during the first 15 min of incubation with latex, opsonized yeast, or opsonized bacteria. Release was significantly increased from control levels by 30 or 60 min. The release of immunoglobulin A could be inhibited by incubating leukocytes at 4 degrees C. We conclude that phagocytosis and immunoglobulin A release by human colostral leukocytes are related. The data support the hypothesis that colostral leukocytes may play an active role in protecting infants from pathogenic microorganisms.