[Immunologic factors in human colostrum and milk].

BACKGROUND

The mammary gland is at present conceived as an immunological secretory organ, capable of producing specific and non-specific factors transmitted into colostrum or milk.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Colostrum was collected from the 1st to 3rd day after delivery, milk on the 4th to 19th day after delivery. Colostrum from 42 and milk from 63 mothers was examined. Levels of the following were assessed: IgG, IgM, IgD, IgA, sIgA, SCIgA, C3, C4, orosomucoid, prealbumin, alpha 1-antitrypsin, alpha 1-fetoprotein, alpha 2-macroglobulin, haemopexin, haptoglobin, beta 2-microglobulin, alpha 2-AP glycoprotein (methodradial immunodiffusion) and IgE (ELISA). Colostrum contains more IgG, SCIgA, almost three times more IgM, IgA and secretory IgA than milk. IgD was not detected. Factors of non-specific immunity were found only in low concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Human colostrum and milk are from the immunological aspect an important liquid with proven bacteriostatic and inhibitory activity preventing penetration of pathogenic microorganisms and absorption of potential allergens into the digestive and respiratory tract of the neonate. From the immunological aspect it is essential to promote breastfeeding.